RETIRED bus driver Mick Plunkett has been forced to end his aid missions to orphanages in Eastern Europe after suffering a spinal seizure.

Mick Plunkett has visited the Balkans more than 30 times since founding Bosnia Relief Aid and The City of Derby Humanitarian Aid Convoy in 1995.

The groups were disbanded four years later, but Mr Plunkett continued to travel to the area and estimates he has taken millions of pounds worth of aid donated by Derby people.

But on a recent holiday to the Philippines, the 61-year-old suffered the seizure, which left him paralysed for four days.

He was rushed to hospital before being transferred to specialist spine unit at a private rehabilitation unit in Iloilo – where he remained for the next three weeks.

He underwent gruelling physiotherapy but was eventually allowed home on an aircraft fitted with beds to keep his spine immobilised.

Now recovering at his Alvaston home, Mr Plunkett said the experience had forced him to reevaluate his life and make the tough decision to stop the aid journeys.

He said: "For the first four days I was in immense pain and unable to stand or even walk.

"I have enjoyed every minute of every trip. Seeing the children's faces makes it so worthwhile. But due to my mobility problems, and the threat of more seizures which could leave me paralysed, a decision has been made to cease taking aid to the area after 14 years."

Mr Plunkett, of Burnside Street, was moved to act after watching scenes of the aftermath of the three-year Balkan war, which broke out in 1991. He said he felt he had to go out and help.

The enterprise grew over the years, culminating in the biggest trip last year, which saw Mr Plunkett take more than 600 boxes filled with sweets, clothes, toiletries, shoes, toys, bedding and medical supplies, all donated by local schools, churches and companies.

Mr Plunkett, along with friend Brian Kite, 57, of Stanhope Road, Swadlincote, drove more than 3,000 miles in a van that was fully reconditioned for free by Derby Tyres and Derby Truck and Van Repair Centre.

Mr Plunkett said he wanted to thank people that had supported his venture over the years. He said: "Derby is a caring city with caring people. It is a sad day."

Aid already collected by Mr Plunkett has been donated to the Balkan Aid Relief Foundation, based in Lincolnshire.