World first as man whose spinal cord was severed walks: Fireman paralysed by knife attack recovers thanks to UK research

Darek Fidyka, 40, is believed to be the first person in the world to recover from such chronic injuries after receiving pioneering treatment from University College London. The fireman from Bulgaria severed his spine after being stabbed four years ago, leaving him paralysed from the waist down. Scientists used cells from his nose to repair the broken link on his back in a medical achievement hailed as more impressive than putting a man on the moon.