GOOD health is something none of us should ever take for granted – because it can change in an instant.

Ken Longstaff, a 56-year-old MOT tester from Darlington, was enjoying robust health when he was suddenly struck down with a rare neurological condition called Guillan Barre Syndrome.

It left him in a "locked-in" state, with almost total paralysis, and his happy family life was shattered.

Ken's fight to regain his health is a long, hard road but progress is being made thanks to his own courage and sense of humour, as well as the love and dedication of his family.

After spending two years in a hospital, Ken is now living alongside dementia patients in a care home while he waits for his family home to be adapted to his needs.

Despite the care home being unsuitable, Ken is caught up in frustrating delays over the modifications being made to his home.

It is a heartbreaking example of the dilemmas facing local authorities across the country as they try to prioritise cases and cope with budget cuts which leave them with barely enough money to provide essential, statutory services.

Darlington Borough Council says it is working closely with the family to identify Ken's needs but it is likely the process will take time so that funding will be met from next year's budget.

We recognise the resource and financial challenges facing local authorities are far from easy, in the same way that we appreciate the mounting pressures on the NHS.

But we hope a way can be found to speed up the work which is needed to get Ken back back home, where he belongs.