by Jessica Banham

A Kent man - who's been paralysed for the past 19 years - has
become one of just three people in the UK to try out new technology
to help him walk again.

The bionic exoskeleton has been developed in America and uses
battery-powered motors to help people stand up. It then
mechanically moves their legs.

Andrew Glenie, 42, of Laneside, Sissinghurst, has been paralysed
from the chest down since suffering a spinal cord injury back in
March 1993 while racing sidecars.

The married
father-of-two heard about the new technology through a friend and
contacted the company immediately. He said: "Once I tried out the
exoskeleton, I couldn't believe how good I felt, being able to
stand and walk again.

"When walking in Ekso I feel alive for the first time in 19
years. It's just nice to be on an eye level with people."

It has also made a big difference to his recovery, Andrew added:
"It has made my spine and joints more flexible, which in turn is
making my body feel more comfortable.

"It's giving me a better sitting posture and making it easier
for me to breathe because I'm sitting and standing straighter."

Since the accident Andrew has also started his own business.

He launched Acorn Plant and Tool Hire Ltd after a builder
working at his house left behind a digger saying he could keep it
if he managed to fix it.

"I did the repairs and put an ad in the paper for a digger for
hire. Orders began coming in and the business took off," he
continued.

"I hope I can show that there is life after paralysis. I have a
wife, children and set up my own business."

At the moment the exoskeleton is only used for rehabilitation
work but developers in America are also trying to produce one for
general use at home.

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Video: Watch Andrew
Glenie walk using the bionic exoskeleton