With the 2012 Paralympic Games now underway in London, we thought we’d post some stories about the pioneering sporting activities that Stoke Mandeville Hospital organised in the late 1940s, as well as some of the very moving reports about some of the patients who were admitted to the famous Spinal Injuries Unit.

We were especially moved by the incredible story of Miss Nancy Windley.

If you’d like to read further stories about Stoke Mandeville Hospital, just do a Phrase Search for ‘Stoke Mandeville’ in the Archive.

Western Morning News – Tuesday 03 August 1948

Image © Northcliffe Media Limited. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000329/19480803/003/0002

Chelmsford Chronicle – Friday 19 December 1947

Image © Northcliffe Media Limited. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000516/19471219/004/0001

Western Daily Press – Saturday 03 August 1946

Image © Northcliffe Media Limited. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000513/19460803/038/0004