Abigail’s story: Discovering new opportunities after spinal cord injury
5 August 2026
Meet Abigail:
- Studied psychology, sociology and art, alongside completing a level three qualification in health and social care
- Works with young adults who have autism
- Enjoys painting flowers, landscapes and animals
At the age of 12, Abigail developed transverse myelitis which damaged her spine at L3. “I was at school one afternoon and I started getting pain in my legs. By the evening I couldn’t move them, and I had no feeling from the waist down. Over time my body has partially recovered and I can now walk for short periods, however I largely use a wheelchair to move around.”
“I sustained my spinal cord injury during COVID and it really affected my sense of normality. My injury had already changed my life, and then the world around me changed beyond recognition. I felt lost and I didn’t know what was going on – it was a very unsettling time.”
During her rehabilitation in hospital, she discovered Back Up. “One of the nurses came to me and told me all about the charity. I went online with my mum and we started exploring all of their different services – I knew there and then that I wanted to get involved!”
In 2021, she signed up for our 13-17s multi-activity course in the Lake District. “The multi-activity residential was fantastic and I got to try so many cool experiences, like rock climbing, king swinging, and hiking through the hills. It felt amazing to challenge myself, and to take part in activities that every other teenager would enjoy.”
“I also joined a number of wheelchair skills training sessions on the course. I found things a little difficult at first, but as time went on I gained more confidence, learning how to go down ramps, get over obstacles and shift my weight correctly in my chair. Now I have a lot more independence, and I still use the techniques I learned to get around safely in day-to-day life.”
Throughout the week, she became part of a supportive community. “After my injury, I found it difficult to connect with people because I felt different to everyone else. Having the opportunity to meet other wheelchair users and people who walked with mobility aids was truly special. I got to talk to people who understood my experiences, and it gave me a real sense of peace, comfort and normality. I finally felt like I had a place somewhere, like I belonged and I wasn’t on my own anymore.”
A few years later, Abigail joined our Youth Advisory Group. “I absolutely love being part of the Youth Advisory Group. I enjoy coming together with others and thinking about ways that Back Up can reach more young people, develop their existing youth services, and create new tools for the under 25s. It feels like my voice matters and that’s really empowering.”
“Being part of the Group has also helped my personal development. Over time, I’ve learned a range of hard and soft skills, from leadership and teamwork, to film making and communication. I’ve taken so much away from the meetups, and I now use the skills I’ve learned throughout my life.”
When asked what advice she would give to others, Abigail says, “After you sustain a spinal cord injury, people often don’t understand what you’re going through. But that’s not the case with Back Up – they get it because many of them have experienced it. The charity offers a warm space where you don’t have to explain or justify yourself, and they help you see that you’re not alone.”
