Julie’s story – getting my confidence back

25 September 2024

Sustaining my injury frightened the life out of me. I got up one night to go to the toilet, and collapsed. My legs suddenly just stopped working. An MRI scan showed that my C2, C3, C4, and C6 vertebrae had fused together, damaging my spinal cord.

I was devastated. Prior to my injury, I loved travelling, I enjoyed fishing and gardening, but in hospital I had more questions than answers. How I would get back to living my life again?

Fortunately, Back Up came into my life when I was in hospital. Ollie popped his head into my room and introduced himself. We spoke, and I burst out crying! But he calmed me down, and we just chatted. For the next eight months I spent in hospital, he’d always stop by for a coffee and a chat. He gave me so much information about living with a spinal cord injury, the adaptions I’d need to make at home, taught us wheelchair skills, and showed me everything Back Up had to offer.

Having support from Back Up put my mind at rest. It proved that life doesn’t stop after spinal cord injury.

I then went on their over-50s Multi Activity Course. I was a bit frightened before I went on the course. The only times I’d been away from home after my injury was in the car with my partner, or short trips into town on the bus. Fortunately, all my worries went away when I arrived. Everyone was chatting, sharing wheelchair skill tips, and having a giggle together in no time.

Out of all the activities, the zip wire was my favourite. I was hoisted out of my chair, said a few choice words, and off I went! Being able to do that independently after spinal cord injury showed me that doing other things wouldn’t be so hard.

After the course, I was so inspired I booked myself a solo trip to the seafront near where I live – the fish and chips were amazing! Back Up gave me back the confidence I needed to travel again. My partner and I have booked an accessible caravan holiday later in the year, and I’m also looking into disabled fishing group which offers boat trips.

If it wasn’t for Back Up, I don’t think I’d be where I’m at right now.

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

Read our 2023/24 impact report