That picture brought so many memories flooding back and I know by experience that he's got a lot of hard work in front of him.
I've had two operations on my lower spine which forced me to quit my chosen profession in heavy industry, go back to college/university and re-train.
I remember my first operation which was just before Christmas. On the 23rd December, I had to prove to the physiotherapist I was able to walk upstairs and was walked on crutches to the said 6 steps. I had to prove I could walk up and down them and if I could I could go home for Christmas. These steps looked like the North Face of the Eiger. I just managed the task with tears in my eyes but I was determined to be home for Christmas. The physiotherapist, who would have been more suited to working in a torture camp (great lady), hummed and ahhed but finally give me the go ahead to go home on Christmas Eve. The best Christmas present I have ever had.
Good look and best wishes Dave.