Fishing rod helps Scots cyclist back on his feet after horror bike crash left him partially paralysed

A Scots cyclist who was left partially paralysed after a freak accident is on the road to recovery thanks to a unique rehabilitation tool - a fishing rod.

Robbie Bell was left seriously injured after falling off his bike on the Isle of Lewis as he returned home from visiting friends in August.

The 44-year-old was whisked to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow where he was admitted to the National Spinal Injuries Unit.

The keen angler feared he would never walk again before his unique therapy got him back on his feet (NHS GGC)

Robbie was then diagnosed with Incomplete Tetraplegia which meant he was unable to move any part of his body from the neck down.

Medics took inspiration from his love fishing and decided to try and incorporate it during his gruelling recovery.

Fishing company Loop donated a rod for Robbie to use and the keen angler was often seen casting it off in the hospital grounds during his rehab sessions.

After just six weeks, Robbie, who is now able to walk using a zimmer frame, has returned home and is keen to see out the rest of the salmon fishing season.

He said: “The staff have been excellent in helping support me on the road to recovery since I was admitted to the Spinal Unit in August.

“There were points where I thought I’d never walk again but taking things as they come, and making gradual improvements in my movement over the past six weeks has got me into a position where I can look forward to catching the end of the fishing season up north.

Robbie has issued his heartfelt thanks to all the staff at the QUEH (NHS GGC)

 “I’d like to thank the team at the QEUH and a huge thanks to Loop who were kind enough to donate a brand new fishing rod to help as part of my rehab.”

Using the fishing rod helped build up the dexterity in Robbie’s hands whilst also bringing him so light relief during his six week hospital stay.

Occupational therapist Amanda Howat, who helped Robbie throughout his recovery, added: “For any rehab patient, the journey to recovery can be long and difficult.

“Anything to make that slightly easier, and to keep patients motivated, is a huge advantage.

“Robbie has been able to practice doing something he loves, and that has provided additional motivation for him to get back on his feet.

“It’s fantastic to see how quickly he’s progressed.”