Remembering Damian Smith

3 January 2024

It is with great sadness that we learnt of the sudden passing of one of our dear friends, Damian Smith, on 27 December 2023. He had a massive impact on the spinal cord injury community through his near 25-year nursing career, his long-standing support as a volunteer for Back Up, as well as his role as a nurse specialist with the Spinal Injuries Association. Damian leaves behind a loving wife, daughters and family, but also a lasting legacy through the hundreds of people with a spinal cord injury who he supported and encouraged to live life to the full.

Damian was a strong advocate for Back Up during his time as a nurse at Salisbury Spinal Cord Injury Centre, encouraging many of his patients and fellow nursing colleagues to get involved with Back Up over the years. From 2010 onwards, he volunteered on several Back Up courses, enabling participants with high level injuries to be fully involved and boost their independence. It was on one of these courses that Damian met his wife Marta, and through their shared passion for helping others their relationship flourished.

Many of the Back Up team knew Damian personally and professionally, and it was devastating to hear the news of his death.

Back Up’s Head of Fundraising, Sean McCallion said “Like so many others affected by spinal cord injury, Damian had a massive impact on me as my primary nurse at Salisbury when I sustained my injury. His wicked sense of humour brought much-needed relief at a time when laughter was in short supply. He will be greatly missed by everyone who had the good fortune to know him.”

Thank you, Damian, for the positive impact you have had on so many people in our community, our thoughts are with Marta, his children and his wider family at this difficult time.

Marta wanted us to share this link for anyone who would like to make a donation to Back Up in Damian’s memory.