To walk again.

This programme is about the possibility of reversing paralysis using spinal cord regeneration. The programme visits the Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries where Professor Wagih El Masri discusses the possibility of patients recovering after spinal cord injuries. Two cases are followed, that of Daniel Nicholls who broke his neck after an accident in Australia and Darek Fidyka from Poland whose spine was severed during a knife attack. Wagih El Masri reveals that there has been no significant developments in the last 30 years to help patients recovering from spinal injuries. Professor Geoffrey Raisman, Chair of Neural Regeneration at University College London, discusses his studies into the synapses in the brain using the electron microscope. He discusses how the brain responds to injuries by creating new pathways, known as Plasticity, to restore function and discusses the possibility of that capability being transferred to the spinal cord. Raisman describes his studies into the specialist cells that form part of the sense of smell. He explains that it is the only part of the human nervous system that renews itself and he has been researching to see if these cells can be transplanted into the spines of those with paralysis. David Nicholls, the father of Daniel, has been raising money to help fund research and development into a cure for paralysis with the help of Heston Blumenthal. Collaboration between Raisman and Dr Pawel Tabakow, from the Department of Neurosurgery at Wroclaw University Hospital, seeks to further Raisman’s work. Darek Fidyka became the first patient to receive treatment based on Raisman’s work. Raisman and Tabakow explain how the different stages of the procedure are conducted. Video footage of the main surgery and a video diary of Darek’s pre-operative physiotherapy are shown. Josie Pearson MBE visits Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries and discusses her discus win at London 2012 Olympics and her determination to inspire other young people with paralysis to excel. Videos of Darek after the operations show improvement in his movements and head physiotherapist Stefan Okurowski of the Akson Neuro-Rehabilitaion Centre explains how these improvements are a crucial breakthrough in treating patients. Raisman visits Poland to witness Darek’s progress and tests it with the use of exercises. MRI scans are shown of the spine to show the internal regeneration. David Nicholls’ intention is to procure any patents that are a result of the research and make it freely available. Professor Wagih El Masri also visits Poland in order to give his independent expert opinion on the progress of Darek.