Andrew Williamson (50) has multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease that attacks the central nervous system, causing varying degrees of disability, depending on which part of the nervous system has been affected.
Mr Williamson suffers from ''remitting and relapsing progressive MS''. Twice, while still living in Christchurch, he had attacks in which he lost the use of his right leg and arm and was admitted to hospital for a week both times. Each attack leaves Mr Williamson with further impairment.
Mr Williamson is into cars - stock car racing, hot rods and car shows, both as a spectator and participant.
A self-confessed ''Ford nut'', he restored a 100E 1954 Anglia but had to sell it as his MS meant he could not drive it - it was a manual and did not have power steering.
''I didn't drive at all for three years ... I was in a wheelchair and then a para-chair [motorised chair] ... and to be back on the race track as well is great.''
His brother Tony is also into racing, and got him a job driving a pace car.
For the past two years, he has been racing at Beachlands Speedway, near Dunedin.
''Once I'm in the car it's an even playing field.''
He had a successful 2012-13 season, winning the production saloon club championship and the people's choice award.
''It was a big surprise - it put a big lump in my throat.''
With a team of six sponsors behind him, Mr Williamson does a lot of the work on the car himself. He is styling his Mitsubishi 3-litre V6 after ''Lightning McQueen'' - a character in the animated Pixar film Cars.
''I'm out there making the most of it, doing what I can.''
When Mr Williamson was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 11 years ago, he did not even know what it was. The diagnosis changed his life.
He was living in Christchurch at the time, where he was a self-employed plasterer.
Mr Williamson said MS affected his whole system, as well as his diet, concentration and energy levels.
Eventually, he had to give up work because his job performance suffered as a result of the illness, putting his own safety at risk.
The key was being in the ''right head space'' and not giving up, he said.
He spent three or four years in a wheelchair and then a para-chair.
''I'm no couch potato. The biggest thing for me is that it comes from your head. Don't give up.''
Mr Williamson moved to Milton almost four years ago and is enjoying the slower lifestyle offered by the town.
''There's no stress, no traffic lights. It's pretty good here.''
Mr Williamson hopes his story will help others to understand MS and also inspire other MS sufferers to live life to the full.
''Don't get me wrong - I still have bad days, but I just carry on. Get up, get out there and do it.''
