The 46-year-old suffered a massive stroke after a blood clot the size of a golf ball burst in his brain.

Within an hour he had slipped into a coma and needed emergency surgery.

But thanks to surgeons who performed a four-hour operation, David, from Paulsgrove Road, North End, pulled through.

He has now returned home after spending three months in hospital, two of which were at Royal Hospital Haslar, in Gosport, where he started his rehabilitation.

David, a Buddhist, is looking forward to a special party tonight to raise money to help him in his recovery.

Burlesque girls will take to the stage for a night of 'fun and sauciness' at the Wedgewood Rooms in Albert Road, Southsea.

His partner, Karl Gallagher, 50, hopes to raise enough money to adapt their kitchen in the hope that former chef David will eventually be able to start cooking again.

He is also considering buying a specialist wheelchair to help David regain some independence.

Karl said: 'We're really looking forward to it. We were asked a couple of months ago if they could do something.

'It's fantastic that they've gone to so much effort to help.'

Four months after his stroke, David is presently wheelchair- bound and learning to write with his left hand as his right side was severely affected by the stroke.

However, he is undergoing intensive therapy to build his strength and help improve his speech.

Karl said: 'David is magnificent. I can't imagine how hard it must be for him. It must be terrifying and incredibly hard. It's amazing he's come this far.

'No-one can tell us how far he's going to recover but he's slowly getting his mobility and speech back.

'We are going in the right direction.'

David added: 'Every day I'm stronger and better. I want to walk and talk more. I will fight to feel alive.'