Natalie’s story: Volunteering on our ski karting course

6 December 2023

At Back Up, we would not be able to provide our vital services without the support of our volunteers. Read on to hear from Natalie, who supported our adventurous ski karting course as a volunteer buddy.

“I work in Digital Marketing and Communications for Wellspect – a medical device company which make catheter and bowel care products. Outside of work, I very much like spending my time in the mountains.

“Growing up in Sweden, it’s almost a given that you enjoy winter sports. That’s why I volunteered to be a corporate buddy on the Back Up Ski Karting course. It combined a lot of things I found interesting on both a professional and personal level. As a corporate buddy, you volunteer your time on the course to help out wherever you can. Whether it’s by providing an extra pair of hands to help carry luggage, or by simply being a happy and encouraging attitude!

“Being such a hands-on role, it really added to the experience for me. It’s a bit cliché to say, but the Back Up Ski Karting Course is absolutely lifechanging. It was very moving to hear from the participants about how liberating it felt to be on the slopes. For some participants it was the first time they had been abroad since sustaining their injuries. You could see throughout the week how their confidence increased. By the end of the week people were skiing independently, and some even tackling jumps by themselves.

“I would 100% recommend volunteering as a corporate buddy with Back Up to anyone, without a doubt. It felt so empowering to see everyone come together, encouraging each other to do things they did not think would be possible after spinal cord injury.”

We’re glad Natalie found volunteering with Back Up rewarding. Visit our website to learn more about our volunteering opportunities.