Video: Robot suit helps paralysed film-maker walk again

A London film-maker has walked for the first time in 11 years - thanks to a £90,000 robotic suit.

Nicholas “Pikki” Fearon broke his back in a motorbike crash in 2004 and was told he would never walk again.

The film producer, whose work includes Dead Man Running, the 2009 British crime thriller backed by footballers Rio Ferdinand and Ashley Cole, got to his feet with the help of a £90,000 REX robot.

He showed its ability to support wheelchair-users into standing positions and take part in walking and stretching exercises designed by physiotherapists.

He said: “Standing and walking again in REX felt weird and wonderful but natural at the same time. It’s fantastic to be back at eye level with everyone again.”

Mr Fearon showed how the robot worked during a visit to the Aspire, a Stanmore-based charity that helps people paralysed by spinal cord injury. He hopes to compete in powerlifting at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. The charity has launched an appeal to buy one of the robots.

Wheelchair users are at risk of developing medical complications from extended periods of sitting. REX’s backers believe it can improve cardiovascular performance, joint flexibility and reduce infections.

Brian Carlin, chief executive of Aspire, said: “Every eight hours in the UK, someone is paralysed by a spinal cord injury. Aspire provides practical help to spinal cord injured people across the UK, helping them move from injury to independence.”

Jon Graham, chief executive of PhysioFunction, a firm that provides rehabilitation devices, said: “Unlike other exoskeletons, which require the use of crutches or a walking frame for stability, REX allows users to retain the use of their hand and upper body.”