Lord Noel says "More Good News!"

Whatto! Peeps....

Mr Rob Summers, 25, was walking by a road in Portland, Oregon, when a car mounted the kerb and smashed into him on July 12 2006. Previously an athlete in peak physical condition, he suffered serious spinal cord damage which left him paraplegic.

Rob is the first patient to respond to the groundbreaking therapy, which involves many hours of training combined with electrical stimulus. This hit-and-run victim who was completely paralysed from the waist down has now stood up on his own and taken faltering steps on a treadmill after pioneering treatment.

He said: "This procedure has completely changed my life."
The treatment, which took 30 years to develop, by-passes the brain and "teaches" the spinal cord to control limbs and body functions independently.

As a result, Mr Summers, who is normally confined to a wheelchair, has been able to push himself up and stand for several minutes without assistance.

Rob.....finally back on his feet again

With help, he has also made repeated stepping motions on a treadmill and voluntarily moved his hips, knees, ankles and toes. In addition, he has regained some sexual and bladder function.

Scientists described the success, reported in The Lancet medical journal, as "a breakthrough" but cautioned that there is still much more work to be done.

Professor Susan Harkema, from the Kentucky Spinal Cord Research Centre at the University of Louisville, said: "This is a breakthrough. It opens up a huge opportunity to improve the daily functioning of these individuals, but we have a long road ahead."

The scientists hope that in future some severely paralysed patients will at least be able to recover enough independent movement to stand, maintain balance and even begin to walk. However, they acknowledge that the technique is still far from being a practical treatment.

Tallyho!
Best Wishes - Lord Noel