A man left totally paralysed after developing locked-in syndrome has written a 50,000-word book using just his eyes.
Howard Wicks, from Dartmouth in Devon, effectively became trapped in his body, unable to move independently or fully communicate after he suffered a devastating stroke as a teenager in 2011.
Now 29, Mr Wicks is able to think, see and feel but cannot eat, talk or move any part of his body aside from his eyes.
The rare neurological condition, locked-in syndrome, has made every physical activity or job ‘impossible’, he said and prevented him from communicating normally.
But using an Eyegaze computer — a machine that tracks his eye movements — Mr Wicks has amazingly written a novel over the course of 18 months.
Howard Wicks, from Dartmouth in Devon, effectively became trapped in his body, unable to move independently or fully communicate after he suffered a devastating stroke as a teenager in 2011
Now 29, Mr Wicks is able to think, see and feel but cannot eat, talk or move any part of his body aside from his eyes. The rare neurological condition, locked-in syndrome, has made every physical activity or job ‘impossible’, he said and prevented him from communicating normally
He described the process of writing as ‘a cathartic experience’.
‘I enjoyed writing it especially the parts I personally enjoyed living myself,’ he said via the Eyegaze software.
‘However, it soon became a source of stress, as I felt I couldn’t truly enjoy myself until the book was completed.’
He told the BBC: ‘The initial chapter introduces the reader to my life before the stroke, allowing them to understand who I was.’
‘The book concludes with my transition from the hospital setting to community life. The series spans from aged 16 to the present day.’
Up to 300 Brits and fewer than 1,000 Americans are estimated to be living with locked-in syndrome.
Stroke is one causes with 100,000 people in the UK and 800,000 in the US suffer this medical emergency each year.
But less than 1 per cent of stroke victims go on to develop locked-in syndrome, according to charity the Stroke Association.
Locked-in syndrome is caused by damage to the brainstem that contains nerves that transmit information to other parts of the body.
Such damage usually occurs due to a lack of blood flow or bleeding following serious physical trauma.
Up to 300 Brits and fewer than 1,000 Americans are estimated to be living with locked-in syndrome. Stroke is one causes with 100,000 people in the UK and 800,000 in the US suffer this medical emergency each year
Mr Wicks hopes his book will raise awareness for his charity — the Locked In Trust — dedicated to supporting other people suffering the condition. Pictured, Mr Wicks after his stroke in 2011
Locked-in syndrome exists on a scale with some patients able to move more parts of their body than others. However, there is currently no cure for the condition.
Many patients are confined to their beds, needing constant care and are only able to breath or eat and drink via special medical tubes.
Instead, treatment focuses on helping develop any small voluntary actions that are available to patient such as finger movement, swallowing and making sounds.
Mr Wicks hopes his book will raise awareness for his charity — the Locked In Trust — dedicated to supporting other people suffering the condition.
He said: ‘I founded this charity four years ago, but it hasn’t achieved the reach or impact it needs.
‘This was another motivation behind completing the book: to propel the charity to the forefront of society.’
He also hopes this first novel will form part of a trilogy.
‘From the moment I gained the ability to type, writing a book has always been a goal of mine,’ he added.
‘Over time, more incentives to pursue this dream emerged.
‘I believed that finishing it was essential for my happiness and personal progress.’
