SINCE severing his spinal cord in an accident in New Zealand last November, Matthew Williamson has not seen much of the outside world.

But this week, he is one of a seven-strong team of hospital patients taking part in the Wheelpower Inter-Spinal Unit Games.

The 30-year-old, from Caldicot, was paralysed from the chest down after falling four metres from a ladder, and after almost four months in hospital on the other side of the world, flew back to the UK only last month.

A crowdfunding appeal by family and friends raised around £13,000 to enable him to be flown home, and he has since been receiving vital physiotherapy at Rookwood Hospital's spinal cord injury rehabilitation centre in Cardiff.

Held annually at Stoke Mandeville stadium, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, the Games involve 100 patients and 60 support staff from 14 spinal injury centres and specialist units in the UK.

"I've been having regular physio, which helps me push myself on a daily basis as I learn to adapt to my body’s changing needs," said Mr Williamson, who had been living with his partner Justine Bennett in New Zealand for two years at the time of his accident.

"Despite being in a wheelchair, I don’t want that to stop me from being fit and healthy.

"I am determined to keep positive as I come to terms about the reality of my new life by pushing the boundaries - and I think sport has an important part to play.

"This is the first time I have had the chance to properly get outdoors and meet other people in similar situations.

"I’m a keen sportsman, so want to try all the sports, succeed at the very best of my ability at the Games, and ultimately see which of them I’m best at, to then take on for the future and hopefully enjoy on a regular basis."

A variety of sports including archery, cue sports, rugby, athletics, fencing, basketball, powerlifting, boccia, swimming, shooting and tennis are featured in the Games, along with coaching and demonstrations from current leading wheelchair sports athletes.is 

The Rookwood team is being supported by four members of staff, and kit is sponsored by law firm Hugh James’ neuro-law team, which specialises in cases involving spinal injuries and traumatic brain injuries.