I am raising funds for a ‘Walkerbot’ to support those #strokesurvivors less fortunate than me who can’t walk or are struggling to walk.

The Walkerbot uses a harness suspended above a treadmill and robotic limbs to move the patient’s legs in a consistent pattern. A computer controls the pace of walking and measures and adapts to the body’s response to movement. A therapist stands by to instruct the patient and analyse how they are walking, whilst interactive games and feedback help with motivation.

The Walkerbot works with everyone, even those with NO ACTIVITY in their lower limbs

How it happened: I was just putting my trainers on to go for a jog and ‘Bam’ my whole body was spinning around and around. There was a searing and swirling metallic noise in the back of my head and a current went from my left foot up my leg, back and neck. Life changed at a stroke a Cerebellar Stroke - I’d never heard of the Cerebellar/Cerebellum and always related a Stroke to the heart and arteries.

Thanks to the quick thinking of my partner Michele, the Paramedics arrived and I was observed and scanned at Poole Hospital and by Sunday 25 April transferred to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. By Monday 26 April I was back home!

The brain is amazing though and the next day I started 6 weeks of work with the dedicated Early Discharge Team of Physios and Therapists. I have now re-learnt how to coordinate my limbs, people can relearn to walk, through repetition and practice.

I now realise that I am very lucky to have so many basic faculties still:

*I can remember

*I can speak

*I can do most household tasks

*I can feed myself

*I can even drive!

But most importantly……….

*I can walk.

This means I can be independent in my own flat and out in the wider world BUT

You can see a short video of my progress here: Colin's Video

And more information on the Walkerbot Appeal can be found at:

Walkerbot

There is not another Walkerbot in the South of England and the University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity have nearly reached the target of £365,000 . In fact they only need £4,520 let’s see this thing through so that #strokesurvivors like me can benefit from this innovative piece of kit that can make such a difference in rebuilding people’s lives.

Thank you

Colin Phillimore

Colin's Video