New South Wales surf lifesaver Jess Collins, is a young Charlestown constituent who was left paralysed in 2018, after she broke her neck in a freak surfing accident.

Jess was devastatingly informed that she would never walk again, however, thank you to modern science, this week Jess was able to stand for the first time in just over a year.

Jess took part in a University of Newcastle study, and was able to stand with the assistance of a robotic standing frame (or exoskeleton).

The use of this machine may potentially allow users to increase bone density and muscle tone following continued use.

There is still a lot of research being completed in regards to these exoskeletons, but I look forward to seeing what the future holds for this technology, and of course, for Jess.