Treatment could make Will walk again (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Treatment could make Will walk again

WHEN Will Fenton broke his neck in a trampolining accident three years ago he faced spending the rest of his life in a wheelchair.

But later this year the 30-year-old from South Cerney will embark on a trip to Holland to undergo a controversial treatment which could see him walking once more.

Will lives with his girlfriend Lou Knight, in a specially adapted flat behind his parents' home in South Cerney.

He explained how he has regained feeling in his upper body since the accident but is hoping stem cell therapy could help him to walk again.

He said: "I want to walk by the time I am 35, that's been my goal since I broke my neck. As cool as my wheelchair is I don't want to be in it."

The therapy, which is not currently available in the UK, uses stem cells from the umbilical cords of full-term babies.

The cells are then treated and injected into the body where they are needed, in Will's case into his spine, where he dislocated one of his vertebrae.

He said: "They give you an injection in places where you need the stem cells the most. You stay at the clinic for an hour and then you go home and it starts going from there.

"Some people say you notice it straight away. Little things will start happening after a month. One woman who had it done said she started getting feeling back after one hour."

Will said the clinic he was using only used cells from full term babies to avoid the ethical issues attached to other areas of stem cell research which use cells harvested from embryos.

Although Will has worked hard with physiotherapist Christian Lester to get his strength back in his arms and upper body and admits he is getting more and more feeling each day he is hoping the treatment will provide the boost he needs.

He said: "On the website they have had more than 200 case and they have very high success rates. It's just going to be amazing, we just can't wait.

"After six months I might get my hands back and I will be able to do stuff. Before I was disabled I liked to make things and tinkering with stuff.

"I can't wait to be a bit more able and convert my shed into a workshop - I have so many ideas from being in this situation of gadgets that could really help people."

Christian said Will has more chance than some others of recovery because his injury was a bruising of the spinal cord not a break.

He said: "I think it's excellent that he is having it done. Will has made a brilliant recovery already and with a positive attitude he could achieve his goal."

The revolutionary medical treatment does not come cheap and both Will and Lou have spent the last few months raising the £13,000 needed for the therapy.

Lou, who herself suffers from cerebral palsy, took part in a sponsored wall climb, raising £1,300.

Meanwhile Will took part in a sponsored push, wheeling himself from the gates at Cecily Hill to the top of the hill in Cirencester Park twice, a total of four miles.

As well as their own efforts the pair have been supported by the generous South Cerney community. Neighbours in the village have donated money in cash and cheques and local businesses have also been generous.

A charity dinner held last week raised £1,300 and two anonymous donations of £2,000 each have taken the fund close to its target.

The next fundraiser is set to be a gig at Cirencester's Corn Hall on February 24 featuring local bands including SCSI and Crayfish.

Tickets are £5 and are available on the door. For more information email Will at will@southcerney.com