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Elgin Rotary Club: Former headteacher tells how he battled back from polio


By Alistair Whitfield

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Members and guests enjoyed an inspiring talk from John Callander at the latest meeting of Elgin Rotary Club

Back in 1954, when John was only seven years old, he contracted Polio.

It initially left him paralysed from the neck down.

But after lengthy spells of treatment in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and Strathcathro he slowly regained the use of his body and his legs.

Following two major operations in the 1960s he was able to continue with his education and eventually choose teaching as his future career.

Elgin Rotary member Jim Royan said: "John described the challenges of his formative years in an engaging way.

"However his understated sense of humour made light of the obstacles that had to be overcome."

"He's much in demand for sharing his lifelong journey with Polio in a truly inspirational way."

John, a son of the Mearns, went on the become head teacher at Fettercairn and Bervie Schools.

He finally completed his career as an Education Officer with Aberdeenshire Council.

As well as vice chairman of the Scottish Polio Fellowship, John is also an active in a number of heritage projects.


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