A FATHER-OF-TWO left blind and paralysed by a crippling virus, but who battled against his condition to be made town mayor, has died.

When Allen Davison was struck down with viral encephalitis at the age of 38, the former teacher went from being an active sportsman to being unable to walk.

Paralysed from the waist down, he also suffered a loss of memory and doctors said he might never see again.

During 1982, he spent nine months in hospital and at one stage, his family was told he could die.

But Allen defied all the odds by relearning how to walk and even went on to climb two of Britain’s highest mountains – Scafell Pike and Mount Snowdon – in aid of charity. Determined to lead an active life, Allen, of Kirkbymoorside, became a town councillor and at the age of 50 was made town mayor.

Paying tribute to his cousin, Chris Davison said: “Allen taught us so much, but in particular he taught us to be strong, and urged that no matter what happens in life there is no excuse for not living it to the full, which is exactly what he did.

“He never complained, he always had a smile on his face and was always happy to hear about what others had been doing. He steadfastly refused to give in and with sheer willpower and determination fought back to lead a life that can only be described as inspirational.”

Allen, who grew up in the North East, was a big Newcastle United fan, who played tennis, hockey, squash and golf before his illness.

He studied craft and rural studies at teacher training college, and moved to Kirkbymoorside with his wife, Liz, in the early 1970s when he was appointed head of craft at Ryedale Comprehensive.

He was choirmaster at All Saints’ Church, Kirkbymoorside, and also played folk music with the local group Bedlam.

Other interests included breeding budgerigars, beekeeping, fishing, gardening and making musical instruments.

Allen was a regular at the King’s Head and created a cottage industry with his printing and cane work skills.

Last autumn, he received a lifetime achievement award from the National Blood Service for giving blood 78 times.

Allen died of a heart attack, aged 64, leaving behind his wife, Liz, two daughters, Jennie and Kate, two sons-in-law, Glen and Roger, and four grandchildren, Sam, Lucy, Grace and William.