ONE year after a fall from a ladder almost cost him his life, Wellington businessman Kevin Fuller has thanked all the people in the town who have supported him.

Kevin was 12ft up extending the roof of his North Street shop when he slipped and fell and was left unconscious. He was taken to Bristol Southmead Brain Injury Unit where he underwent an operation, was put into an induced coma and placed in intensive care.

Now, three years after starting trading as Fuller Stuff, he says the good wishes of townsfolk and his work have helped keep him going – as messages on Facebook did after the accident.

Kevin said: “I would like to thank all the lovely people in Wellington who have supported me. I only have to walk up the High Street and get waves and banter, and enjoy the support of people coming into the shop. I would also like to thank my staff who help running the shop and driving the vans.”

Kevin says he still goes to hospital for check-ups but is getting better, although the accident has left him with some health issues – and he does not drink anymore. His partner Sharon said: “He suffers from headaches constantly but works through them because he’s a workaholic.”

Kevin says he does not take physical chances with his health – he said he sold all the ladders in the shop after his accident. Business picked up in September last year after the accident and is now strong after a slow period at the start of the year.

Kevin added: “I don’t think back, I look forward and I love my shop. I’m still going strong, and still doing house clearances and buying and selling.”

Last autumn Sharon told the WWN: “He has beaten all the odds and I’m so lucky to still have him here.”

Fuller Stuff sells secondhand and antique furniture, general household and garden items plus pre-loved vintage china and bric-a-brac.