"I’m just going to see it as the next instalment in life’s big adventure," says a man who was brought back to the UK from India in 2020, after he was blinded by a cobra.

Ian Jones is now planning to return to the place where his not-for-profit company is based, despite still being registered blind..

The 50-year-old from Niton also had Covid-19, when an appeal was launched to bring him home, to be cared for by his Isle of Wight-based family.

When the cobra struck, the former healthcare worker had been working as the CEO of a charity-backed social enterprise organisation.

Sabirian makes and imports fairly traded handicrafts and furniture, as seen here...

A Go Fund Me appeal raised over £21,000, which meant Ian was able to cover the costs of his care and return to the Island.

Almost a year later, he is now permanently blind and has mobility challenged.

Thanking those who supported him, Ian said: "The last year has been a real challenge in so many ways.

"It has also been a year when I have witnessed such incredible generosity and support.

"I was totally overwhelmed by the donations that literally poured in from all over the world in a few days, from complete strangers.

"Their support, along with my family, my Sabirian colleagues, the hospital staff in India and the NHS here, have quite literally kept me going and has given me the determination to readjust and get back to work.

"Words will never be enough to thank them all for what they have done for me.

"I am determined now, no matter what the challenges are that I face ahead, to return to India and the work that I love and to continue supporting the people who rely on the charity business for their own livelihoods.

"It has been an incredibly tough time for them too and a financially challenging time for the charity, so I am now returning to India to give them the support they need."

Isle of Wight County Press: Ian Jones with local children in India.

Mike Bulpitt, CEO of Community Action Isle of Wight said: "Ian is a remarkable man and so passionate and motivated about the charity work he does both here in the UK and out in India and the people he supports, so it is no surprise that, despite the life-changing experience he has had and his very real, ongoing challenges, Ian wants to return to India to continue that support."

Ian, who has been learning to use new equipment to allow him to continue in his role, said: "I know some people will perhaps find it hard to believe that I would go back, but this social enterprise and all the people it supports means everything to me.

"As for the challenges I’ve faced and continue to face? I’m just going to see it as the next instalment in life’s big adventure."