Former Premier League referee Uriah Rennie has revealed his battle to walk again after being diagnosed with a rare neurological condition that left him paralysed from the waist down.
Rennie, 65, made history as the Premier League's first black referee, officiating over 300 top-flight matches between 1997 and 2008.
Once described as the 'fittest' official in world football, Rennie now finds himself wheelchair-bound following a diagnosis that has dramatically altered his life.
Despite this challenge, he remains determined to regain his mobility.
Former Premier League referee Uriah Rennie has revealed his battle to walk again after being diagnosed with a rare neurological condition that left him paralysed from the waist down
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Rennie's ordeal began during a holiday in Turkey when he started experiencing severe back pain.
Doctors later diagnosed him with an inoperable neurological condition.
"They found a nodule pushing on my spine and it's a rare neurological condition so it's not something they can operate on," Rennie told BBC News.
He spent five months in hospital, including "a month laid on my back and another four months sitting in bed."
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Uriah Rennie became the first black Premier League referee and oversaw over 300 matches between 1997 and 2008
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The former referee remained in hospital until February this year.
Despite his condition, Rennie is focused on rehabilitation and regaining his mobility.
"I have had to learn to move all over again, I'm retraining my legs," he explained.
"I can move my feet and I can stand with a frame attached to my wheelchair but I need to work on my glutes."
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His determination remains unwavering as he works towards walking again.
The former referee credits his support network for helping him through this challenging time.
Rennie was set to begin a new role as Sheffield Hallam University chancellor when he was admitted to hospital.
Despite his condition, he refused to let his diagnosis derail his plans to help his local community.
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"I emphasised I wanted to make a difference to Sheffield and to communities here," he said.
"I carried on working with community sports teams while in hospital, directing them from my bed."
He will now officially start his chancellor position next month as planned.
Born in Jamaica before moving to the UK at age six, Rennie remains grateful for the support he's received.
Uriah Rennie: Premier League icon is determined to walk again and says he is 'aiming to be the best I can physically'
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"It has been frustrating but family and friends have been invaluable, the hospital was absolutely superb and the university has been exceptional," he added.
"I'm aiming to be the best I can physically.
"No one has told me I won't walk again, but even if someone did say that I want to be able to say I did everything I could to try."
