FOUR months after road accident victim Chris Walmsley had stem cell therapy, the family believe it has made a ‘positive difference’.
Chris, aged 32, of the Abbotswood Nursing Home, Ballasalla, was left quadriplegic after being hit by a car on Richmond Hill in 2006.
In August, after £27,000 was raised in three months, Chris underwent the pioneering treatment at a clinic in Germany.
His mum Carol, of Maine Road, Port Erin, said: ‘All in all we think the stem cell therapy has made a positive difference. Chris has a different air about him – more aware and with it – and we can never ever, ever thank the Manx public enough for their generosity, love and support.
‘It seems hard to believe that the accident was five years ago now, and it’s just wonderful to think how far we’ve come – from being told there was no hope of him surviving to where he is now.’
The study has been converted into a bedroom and fitted with a hospital-type bed for Chris. While the house isn’t suitable for him to live at home, he spends every weekend there.
And he was able to spend five nights at home over Christmas and three nights over New Year, which Carol said was ‘fabulous’.
She said his responses were a lot quicker and since receiving the treatment his thumbs are no longer jammed between his fingers but held naturally.
Chris’s right arm still goes into spasm and is held tight against his chest, but Carol said it relaxes a lot more than it used to.
He is being assessed for physiotherapy this week, and it is hoped he will soon start a weekly session. The family are also looking for a neurologically trained speech and language therapist.
It is also hoped he will start going swimming.
Carol said: ‘I think hydrotherapy will be a fantastic thing for him. We never thought we’d see that happen five years ago.’