He was born in the Indian city of Madras during the Second World War, which prevented his parents from returning to England.
He was born with clubbed feet, and then, still in India, he contracted poliomyelitis at the age of 15 months, which exacerbated his health issues.
The family finally returned to England in January 1945, and were able to see Dr. Paul Brand, who then treated him at Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital, London.
In 1946, his parents returned to India to the mission field, but were unable to take their son, owing to the ongoing treatment.
[3] After attending Colfe's Grammar School, much interrupted by hospital treatment, he graduated with a degree in Theology from London University.