Newport woman believes exoskeleton will 'transform lives'

Sophie Shuttleworth, 32, from Newport, a graphic designer and beautician, has been in a wheelchair since being paralysed from the chest down by viral meningitis in July 2022, and never thought she would be able to experience walking again.

However, thanks to a revolutionary exoskeleton, newly available at Morrello Clinic, a leading provider of neuro-physiotherapy and neurorehabilitation in Newport, she is now able to reap some of the benefits of walking again.

Sophie Shuttleworth has been paralysed from the chest down since 2022 (Image: Sophie Shuttleworth) This equipment, known as the Exomotus M4, allows individuals with paralysis and other neurological conditions to experience walking again for the first time since their injuries or illnesses.

Ms Shuttleworth says the Exomotus has “impacted my life tremendously”.

She explained: “It helps me with numerous issues I have from my circulation to mental health. I'm not as swollen in my legs as I used to be and mentally that makes me feel better instantly just seeing the positive effects it has on my body.

“It helps me with my internal organs too as everything isn't all bunched up like when I'm sat in my chair.

“It's the closest thing to walking that I have experienced in over two years.”

Sophie says this is the closest she's been to walking in two years (Image: Sophie Shuttleworth) Ms Shuttleworth is part of a group of eight wheelchair users who are heading a campaign through the Morrello Marvels Community Interest Company to fundraise for access for themselves and others that could benefit from the revolutionary exoskeleton at Morrello Clinic and cover the extra equipment costs for people using it. 

Currently, there are very few places in the UK where patients can access this ground-breaking technology. Morrello Clinic is the first and currently the only clinic in Wales to offer the Exomotus M4, providing a crucial resource for people living with long-term neurological conditions.

The Exomotus M4 is a rehabilitation robot that moves the user's legs in a natural walking pattern. This innovative device offers a range of benefits beyond giving people the experience to walk again. It can improve circulation, stretch soft tissue, protect bone density, and even retrain the brain to facilitate movement in some cases.

Sophie and the other campaigners believe the Exomotus will transform lives (Image: Sophie Shuttleworth) Ms Shuttleworth added: “It's also been really lovely to get to know the other people who are now part of Morrello Marvels as we aren't all in the same boat but travelling on the same rough sea!

"We all have such unique stories yet the benefits of using the Exo regularly has had very similar positive effects on our lives.

 With a spinal cord injury, you can easily feel alone once you leave spinal rehab, and being a part of Morrello Marvels has reminded me that I'm not alone and we can all bounce ideas off of each other.

“We as members of the project group feel that access to this equipment will literally transform people’s lives.”

Sophie says the Exomotus has had a tremendous impact on both her physical and mental health as has being part of a team (Image: Sophie Shuttleworth) You can find out more about Ms Shuttleworth’s story, and those of the seven other campaigners here.

To donate towards the project, head to Morello Marvels CIC page here.

Health and Care Awards

Stories like Sophie's are invaluable. They go a long way to showcasing the positive impact of people in the health and care sector on the general public and deserve to be celebrated.

Nominations for the South Wales Health and Care Awards 2024 are open.

South Wales Health and Care Awards 2024, sponsored by the University of South Wales (Image: Newsquest)

There are 15 awards categories, ranging from 'Care Hero' to 'GP Practice of the Year.'

Nominations close on Sunday, September 29, with limited sponsorship opportunities available. To find out more, contact lynsey.hughes@localiq.co.uk.

Visit the Health and Care Awards website for more information: https://newsquestevents.co.uk/swa-health-care-awards/