A father unable to walk comfortably for 50 years has become to the first person in the UK to be fitted with a life-changing computer controlled leg brace.

John Simpson suffered from childhood Polio which left his nerves so damaged he couldn’t walk and despite multiple operations, physiotherapy and treatments he has relied on a locked-leg brace to help him move around since he was 14.

Your Local Guardian:

Yesterday Mr Simpson, founder of golfing charity On Course Foundation became the first patient in the UK to wear the device to help people living with partial paralysis, spinal injury, post-stroke and post-Polio syndrome walk naturally again.

Mr Simpson, 63, who lives off Coombe Lane West, Norbiton, said the Ottobock C-Brace was a ‘revolution’.

He said: "For as long as I can remember, I’ve had to walk with a locked-knee, which is awkward, cumbersome and puts great strain on my lower back.

"Over the years I tried new braces, supports and therapies, but nothing helped me walk and so I stuck with my original steel calipers."

The C-Brace, from prosthetic and orthotic company Ottobock, is the only exoskeleton of its kind.

The intelligent, carbon fibre brace uses a built-in microprocessor and sensors which allows the knee to control all aspects of the walking cycle and can be worn on either one or both legs.

The Royal Wimbledon Golf Club, where Mr Simpson is a member, hosted the launch yesterday.

Mr Simpson added: "I can walk naturally again, without fear that my leg will give way, leading to a fall. I can walk downstairs with a bent knee and without fear as the brace provides support intuitively.

"It’s going to change my life."

Despite his mobility difficulties, Mr Simpson has played golf to a high standard since his early teens when he was taught by his father and a friend as part of his rehabilitation.

He has had a highly successful career as senior vice president of IMG, managing elite sportsmen such as Nick Faldo and Lord Sebastian Coe.

He set up the On Course Foundation, a military charity that supports the recovery of wounded, injured and sick service personnel through golf tuition and jobs in the golf industry.

David Buchanan, Ottobock Academy clinician and UK stance control expert said: "This is the most exciting development in the orthotic industry in the last decade."

The C-Brace is available in the UK through Dorset Orthopaedic. For more visit the website on www.ottobock.co.uk.

For more information about On Course Foundation, visit www.oncoursefoundation.com