From the archive, first published Tuesday 12th Dec 2006.
SOUTHAMPTON charity The Wayne Howard Trust has paid for a vital piece of equipment to help the rehabilitation of people with brain injuries.
Wayne Howard, who suffered severe head injuries after a motorcycle accident, raised the money himself for the treatment couch by completing a sponsored step.
The dad of three raised £1,600, which was split between paying for a sensory room for epileptic children and paying for a hi-tech piece of equipment used in the rehabilitation of brain injury victims at Therapeutics, where Wayne also undergoes treatment.
The couch works by raising patients who have mobility problems from lying into an upright position so physiotherapists can assess the impact on the body.
Howard's mother, Isobel Howard, said: "This is a great piece of equipment and much needed, particularly as rehabilitation services like Therapeutics are in more need than ever.
"Others like Wayne will certainly benefit from it."