A SUPPORT group which offers practical help and friendship to people with a spinal injury has been formed in Bolton thanks to the dedication of a community nurse and a partially paralysed man.

Former HGV driver Brian Naylor was left horrifically injured in a driving accident more than two years ago.

But he was persuaded by specialist nurse Edna Greenhalgh from Community Healthcare Bolton NHS Trust to use his experiences to help other people and launch the Bolton and District branch of the Spinal Injuries Association.

Together Brian and Edna now offer help, support and practical advice to people with spinal injuries and their carers and families in an informal setting.

The group is also looking to tackle local issues surrounding disability, such as access and the lack of signposting in buildings.

Brian said: "Having a spinal injury myself I know only too well what the main issues are for people with a disability

"There are many people throughout Bolton and the surrounding area who have a spinal injury and the effects are devastating not only for the person in the wheelchair, but their families too."

Working with the families and carers of spine injured patients is a major part of Edna's job. Much of her work is centred around patients' homes, making sure they have the most appropriate care to meet their needs.

She said: "There are numerous issues which the spine injured patient and their families have to address, not only from a physical point of view, but from an emotional one."

She added: "I work in the community, visiting people in their own homes and co-ordinating packages of care. A support group was obviously something which patients and their families felt they would benefit from and five meetings on I feel we're providing a very valuable service."

The group is next planning a social evening on Thursday at the Beehive pub in Horwich from 7.30pm.

The next formal meeting will be on June 6 at the Brazley Day Centre, Horwich, at 7.30pm.

The meeting will hear from representatives of wheelchair suppliers and anyone interested in attending or finding out more on the group can contact Brian on 697556.