Jemima’s story: Thriving at any age

4 September 2024

Earlier this year we featured Jemima’s story in our Impact Report, showing how our children and young people’s services help transform young lives. Now, as part of our Christmas Appeal, we’ve been sharing more of her story, highlighting how donations can give young people like Jemima the gift of confidence and independence.

After I sustained my injury, everything changed in one moment. I was unconscious in the ICU for a long time, where I had a series of surgeries in just the first six weeks alone. It was the beginning of a very slow recovery process – everything was in crisis mode.

My injury wasn’t just life-changing for me – the impact was felt by my family too. My mum had to leave her job to help with my care needs, and we had to convert our family living room into a ground floor bedroom I could access.

There was so much uncertainty. What was my future going to be like? I was 13 at the time of my injury, and it was like I had been sent back to primary school. I felt I had lost a lot of independence I’d gained. Fortunately, Back Up was there to help.

I first met Back Up while in hospital. At first, they helped us by answering our questions about my injury. My mum found it super helpful to ask about education and how to look after my physical health – she was able to talk to people who had been there themselves. And I joined a fun Back Up Multi Activity Course, designed especially for 13-17 year olds.

One of the best things about the course was practicing my wheelchair skills with other young people. The young Back Up volunteers had some amazing skills! Learning from them meant that I could be more independent when I returned home after the course. Thanks to my new skills, I didn’t need my mum to push my chair anymore.

Out of all the activities on the course, my favourite was wild swimming in the lake. My mum says I was a real “water baby” growing up – so being able to swim independently after my injury was just amazing.

Back Up gave me a new determination to be independent. They showed me that I have a future. In the long term I’m planning on going to art college, but in the meantime I am focusing on my creative interests. I’m taking my brother to our local comic convention, and will be making us matching costumes.

Since the course, I’ve continued being involved with Back Up – going on another Multi Activity Course in the Lake District, and I’m looking at becoming a volunteer with the charity. Every time I’ve used Back Up’s services, I come away fired up and ambitious.

Do you need support after spinal cord injury? Register for support. 

Learn how Back Up’s services are supporting more people than ever before:

Read our 2023/24 impact report