Paralysed man walks again after 21 years
A MOUNTAIN climber paralysed after a horrific 100ft fall 21 years ago has learned to walk again.
Andrew Renton was only 27 when he almost died in the plunge at Glencoe in the Highlands.
At one point his devastated parents Allistair and Maureen were asked by doctors if they wanted to switch off his life- support machine.
But after a three- month coma he regained consciousness and began a new life in a wheelchair.
He struck his head on a rock in the accident, in February 1994, and it left him with limited movement in the right side of his body. At one time he lost the ability to talk.
Andrew said: “I don’t remember the accident but I do recall that when I finally came round I could only move one finger on my left hand.”
Now however, Andrew, 48, of Bramford, near Ipswich, Suffolk, has managed at last to get back on his feet.
He took his first steps in a support frame this week in front of cheering relatives, friends and supporters.
He said afterwards: “It feels very good. It’s always been my goal to walk again. Hopefully I will be able to move without the frame in the future. That’s the ultimate goal.”
His father, Allistair, 74, said: “Andrew had bleeding on his brain and after it was treated they weren’t getting any response.
“After two or three days we were told by the medical team we had to make a decision. But the next day he began breathing by himself. He has always been a fighter.”
Outdoor enthusiast
Andrew,
a Queen’s Scout as a schoolboy, has worked relentlessly on his rehabilitation. He has been focusing on walking again with the aid of handrails since the start of the year.
His father added: “I’m so proud to see him do that. He is a determined chap. Since he has been aware that he is able to do it, it has made such a difference to his own confidence.
“Now he’s started doing more things for himself like dressing and getting himself into bed.”
Headway Suffolk, a charity which helps people with brain injuries, gave Andrew support.
Its chief executive Helen Fairweather said: “It was wonderful to see Andrew take those steps.
“It gives real hope to others.”