An entrepreneur has designed a new type of equipment aimed at helping people who are recovering from brain problems.

Ten years ago Andrew Marshall, 60, of Yesmere, Mulbarton, created a basic movement board to help his father, Clifford Marshall, battle back from a stroke – and he has now improved and expanded the kit.

It has been embraced by community groups such as Norwich Stroke Survivors and the Pabulum Café in Wymondham, which is run by the town's dementia support group.

Mr Marshall, whose father died in 2013, hopes the board can help many other people who struggle with neurological or co-ordination difficulties.

His equipment, called the RydaMablet system, uses the principle of repeating a task to promote nerve cell activity in the brain.

Patients grip and direct the handle (ryda) through grooves cut into the board (mablet).

Mr Marshall has designed two boards and eight handles which all differ in size and feel to cater for patients with different conditions.

'It can help people who have dementia, multiple sclerosis, and muscle weakness,' he said.

'It's non-electric and is something simple to use – and it's not going to break.

'If your neurological pathways have been weakened then the more you do an activity the more your pathways are strengthened. It can help a person's memory as well.

'Although my dad isn't around to see it, it would be nice for something positive to come out of what he went through,' he added.

For more information on the equipment call 01508 578435 or email info@learnmovement.com

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