Call us on

Greenfield Physio Helps Groom on His Big Day

Greenfield physiotherapist Colin Green of Physio Matters has helped patient John Power achieve his wedding day ambition - to stand next to his bride.

John, 33 from Grotton, was just 18 when playing rugby for Oldham's 'A' team away against Dewsbury in April 1995 left him with a devastating C4/C5 spinal injury causing him to be paralysed from the neck down. It ended his chances of a promising career as a professional rugby league player with Oldham RLFC.

But John was determined to make his wedding day extra special. A patient of Colin’s for over 10 years, John has had regular physiotherapy sessions that have helped to improve his posture and balance. Invited to attend the wedding as a guest, Colin also assisted the groom with standing during the photographs so that John could proudly take his place next to his bride, Julie, a teacher at Springhead Infant School in Oldham.

Colin, Clinical Director of Physio Matters which has been based in Saddleworth for over 10 years, explained: “I have worked with John for some time providing neuro-physiotherapy to help him with standing and walking in parallel bars. John has immense courage and bravery and he was determined to stand next to Julie on his big day. In particular we worked on standing balance and stamina to help prepare him. Although it was hard work, it was worth it to see John and Julie stand side by side. It was a very proud and moving moment for all concerned.”

John added: “I have known Colin for over 10 years now and he has helped me a long way with my treatment. It was a pleasure to have Colin and his wife Jane at our wedding as a friend but he went that extra mile to help me stand on my big day and was very supportive and encouraging as he always is.”