Caring for his daughter has inspired James Toal to find his true calling in life.

At 33, he has given up his job in the property law business to train as a paramedic – and it’s all thanks to his daughter Rosie, three, who was born with DiGeorge Syndrome, a genetic disorder which results in a small jaw, cleft palate and causes breathing problems.

James and his wife Liz, 39, of Denholme Gate, Denholme, have had to take on a number of medical tasks in helping to care for Rosie as she has undergone ten operations in her short life.

James has also learned Makaton, a special sign language aimed at helping his daughter boost her vocabulary.

“My experience helping Rosie gave me an insight into how medical care can change people’s lives,” he said.

“I’ve had to learn how to deal with Rosie’s breathing tube and care for in other ways to make her life better.

“And having had so much help with Rosie, I wanted to give something back.

“The strange thing is I’ve always been squeamish. Years ago when giving a sample of blood I fainted.

“But since dealing with Rosie I’ve overcome that.”

James is now waiting to start a two-year course training as a paramedic while Liz will continue in her profession as an IT trainer.