World first as man whose spinal cord was severed walks: Paralysed fireman recovers thanks to UK research

Darek Fidyka is the first person in the world to recover from chronic injuries Fireman was paralysed from the waist down after severing spinal chord The Bulgarian received treatment pioneered by University College London Cells taken from his nose injected to spine and regrew to repair broken link

By Ben Spencer, Science Reporter for the Daily Mail

Published: 19:07 EST, 20 October 2014 | Updated: 19:58 EST, 20 October 2014

A fireman paralysed from the waist down after his spinal cord was completely severed has regained the ability to walk thanks to British scientists.

Darek Fidyka, 40, is believed to be the first person in the world to recover from such chronic injuries, in an achievement hailed as more impressive than putting a man on the Moon.

Mr Fidykas spinal cord was sliced in half during a stabbing four years ago, leaving him paralysed below the waist.

Darek Fidyka has been able to walk again after receiving pioneering treatment which has repaired his severed spine

Amazingly, he has now been able to resume an independent life walking with a frame and even driving a car thanks to a revolutionary technique pioneered at University College London.

Mr Fidyka, from Bulgaria, suffered damage similar to that of actor Christopher Reeve, whose spine was severed from his skull after he fell off a horse in 1995.

Read more from the original source:
World first as man whose spinal cord was severed walks: Paralysed fireman recovers thanks to UK research