Layth’s story: Learning wheelchair skills for independence

5 February 2025

A life-changing spinal cord injury can happen to anyone, at any time. A cycling accident caused permanent paralysis at the T12 level. He now uses a wheelchair full-time.

Layth’s injury impacted every area of his life – from his career to close personal relationships.

“At the time, my wife and I were running our own business. It was all very hands on and physical, so my injury had a real impact on that. At times I felt like I was being a hindrance.

“I was really worried – would our business survive? I also had three young kids at the time, so there was a lot to be concerned about.”

Fortunately, Layth has always had a problem-solving mentality, so he got involved with Back Up’s services.

“In the early days I struggled to see a future. How would I still live life with a spinal cord injury? But you’ve got to keep on living – and Back Up was phenomenal in helping me do this.”

Layth developed his wheelchair skills at a Back Up Multi Activity Course, Participants can try fun outdoor activities – from hand cycling to abseiling – in a supportive environment.

“I was eight years post-injury when I went on my course. At the time I couldn’t back wheel balance or tackle curbs. I know it was a skill I should have mastered by that point, so it became a target to achieve over the course of the week.

“By the end of the course, thanks to Back Up’s wheelchair skills training sessions and the support from others, I was able to perfect that skill!”

“Not long after the course I was able to go out with my family without worries – I was confident tackling steep hills, controlling myself on uneven streets, and back wheel balancing up curbs.

“A great memory after the course was taking my son to a football match independently, without asking for help. There’s no way I would have been able to do that before the Back Up course!”

Layth decided to give something back by taking on a challenge for Back Up. He signed up for The Push – one of our toughest fundraising challenges. Teams, each including one wheelchair user, race to the top of the tallest mountain in Wales – Yr Wyddfa – and back down.

Layth took part in The Push to raise money for Back Up – but also because he had a personal reason for tackling Yr Wyddfa.

“I used to like walking mountains before my injury. After my accident I didn’t think I’d be able to climb a mountain with my children. The Push gave me a chance to get my family involved, making memories and climbing the tallest mountain in Wales with their dad!”

“Getting up that mountain with a supportive team and my family was a great feeling. I wish I got involved with Back Up earlier in my journey with spinal cord injury.”

We’re glad Back Up was there to help Layth thrive after spinal cord injury. Do you need support in learning how to use a wheelchair? You can get support via our Back Up wheelchair skills app.