As a young hospital orderly, Guttmann experienced at first hand the primitive medical treatments available for severe spinal injuries suffered by miners in the German coalfields during WW1. The hopelessness of these cases and the terrible impact on the individuals and their families led him to dedicate his life to finding new methods of treatment and rehabilitation through a revolutionary approach
of addressing both body and mind. Fleeing persecution from the N**i regime in his native Germany, the Jewish surgeon established himself in England, where he pioneered new spinal treatments at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. Beginning with contests in archery, wheelchair polo, basketball and bowls, the event proved both beneficial to the patients and to the profile of and attitudes towards severely disabled individuals. The idea blossomed and gained international support and interest, eventually becoming the global phenomenon that is the Paralympics. Doctor Guttmann's incredible battle against prejudice, ignorance and indifference changed both lives and attitudes and his legacy continues to offer dignity, hope and accomplishment to millions of people around the world today. In 2009, Karen Simpson met with Dan Clucas ( Aylebury Vale District Council) as she was interested in creating a new play focussing on Stoke Mandeville Hospital.She was then Artistic Director of Oxfordshire Theatre Company who performed regularly in rural venues throughout the region. The story of Ludwig Guttmann emerged and, supported by AVDC, she started to search for a writer with the skills and experience to tackle this incredible story and found Nicholas McInerny. Nicholas spent six months researching Guttmann, meeting his daughter Eva Loeffler, listening to recordings of Guttmann at the Imperial War Museum and speaking to a number of people who knew and worked with the man. Unfortunately early in 2011 OTC lost considerable fundng along with many other established companies and the project had to be shelved. The importance of the story and the passion to see the production realised continued to drive Karen and Nicholas. With the support of Dan Clucas, Ruth Page ( Buckinghamshire County Council ) and Aylesbury Waterside Theatre a bid was made by KSP to Arts Council England for Lottery funding. In April 2012 we heard the news that the bid had been successful enabling us to continue to develop the production and organise a national tour for The Incredible Doctor Guttmann. The play focuses on the relationship between Guttmann and two young paraplegic patients. Henry arrives at Stoke Mandeville from the battlefields of Northern Europe, broken and with only six weeks to live until he meets Guttmann and his team. Florence has had a riding accident and lost all hope. Together they become pioneers in one of the biggest revolutioneers in medical and social history as Guttmann builds a team of men and women ready to take on the world. The play will premiere at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre on 0/21 October 2012 and then tor to rural communities and schools in Bucks, followed by venues across the UK .
