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06:48 GMT, Wednesday, 29 October 2008

Car crash survivor's Wii donation

Natalie Cinderby (right) with senior occupational therapist Amanda Kyle

A teenager who had her left arm rebuilt after a car crash has donated computer games to aid other patients' rehabilitation.

Once off the critical list, Natalie Cinderby, of Bridgend, had extensive surgery at Morriston Hospital, Swansea.

The 19-year-old found the months of physiotherapy repetitive, so has given the unit a Nintendo Wii so other patients can have fun as they recover.

Staff said the games console was a very useful addition to their service.

A year ago Ms Cinderby was in a critical condition when the car she was travelling in collided with railings and overturned in Ogmore Vale.

She spent two weeks on a life-support machine at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend, where she had her spleen removed.

Her injuries included broken ribs and a collar bone, and massive damage to her left arm that included tearing her bicep off.

"I know that people of all ages are treated here and particularly for younger children it might make things a bit more fun"
Natalie Cinderby

Plastic surgeons at Morriston's Welsh centre took muscles, nerves and skin from her leg and back to replace those that were lost, in the hope that she could use her arm again after a partial amputation.

She spent countless hours with occupational therapists trying to regain the movement she once had.

To show her gratitude on the first anniversary of the crash she donated the Wii and games to the occupational therapists who are helping her to use her arm again.

"It was a big accident and I was unconscious for a couple of weeks," said Ms Cinderby, of Wyndham, Bridgend.

"When I came out of hospital I couldn't do anything with my arm - I couldn't do my hair or dress myself.

"I've been having therapy ever since and they've been pushing me using different games and things to help me use my arm.

"The therapists have been great and given me different things to do but we were having a chat about a Nintendo Wii and how it might help so I decided to buy them one.

Stimulates movements

"I know that people of all ages are treated here and particularly for younger children it might make things a bit more fun."

Some Wii games simulate actions of real sports.

They have been used in nursing homes to keep help keep residents active and in schools to promote exercise in pupils who skip PE.

Senior occupational therapist Amanda Kyle said: "The gift has gone down really well with the staff and will certainly be a very useful addition to our service.

"Using a games console like this can work well because it stimulates automatic movements, which is much better than the person thinking about it and trying to force their movement.

"Of course, variety always helps and because a lot of people have similar games at home they can practice using the same equipment in between their appointments."



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Related to this story:
How the Wii won over the world's gamers (23 Aug 07 |  Technology )
Wii boost for care home residents (30 Jan 08 |  South West Wales )
Wii consoles used in 'virtual PE' (28 Jan 08 |  Hereford/Worcs )
'Wii warm-up' good for surgeons (17 Jan 08 |  Health )
Crash musician's gig for medics (20 Feb 08 |  Wales )

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