After 10 weeks spent recovering from injuries he sustained while missing in a Welsh mountain range, Romford fitness trainer Steve Walker is well enough to return to work.

Steve, of Brentwood Road, hit headlines in August after he failed to return from a survival weekend in the Brecon Beacons, sparking a dramatic overnight search.

Steve had been leading four hikers through the mountains when he became separated from the group. He endured a landslide, being swept down a river and trekking eight miles with multiple injuries before his discovery the next morning by a BBC Wales camera crew.

Now Steve has praised his colleagues at Fitness First Romford for helping him get back to work after the ordeal.

“If it hadn’t been for Lee Middleton, the sports therapist at Fitness First, I’d still be in the same condition I was in 10 weeks ago, and waiting to be referred to a physiotherapist now,” Steve told the Recorder.

“I’ve had amazing support from my manager and the rest of the guys I work with, too.”

Steve still has a way to go before he’s totally recovered – the 34-year-old is having weekly treatment for tissue damage, muscle wastage and joint problems – but the determined dad isn’t going to give up what he loves.

“The accident hasn’t put me off at all and I’ll be planning future trips once I’m fully fit,” said Steve. “I love being out in the field on these types of survival weekends and I’m not going to let one freak accident put me off.”