Alexandra’s story: Discovering new opportunities after spinal cord injury

14 October 2025

Meet Alexandra:

I was 13 years old when I had a shallow diving accident while on holiday. I raced into the sea and dived. The next thing I remember, my body went numb and I was staring at the white sandy floor. 

I sustained a C5/6 tetraplegic incomplete spinal cord injury. I have limited movement in my arms, legs, abdomen and chest, and use a wheelchair full-time. 

After rehab in Miami and Cuba, I finally got a space at Stoke Mandeville Hospital and returned to the UK. That’s where I first discovered Back Up. I saw the posters and leaflets, and I thought what they were doing seemed really cool! 

My mum and I joined a Back Up fundraising event, as she wanted us to connect with other young people with spinal cord injuries. At the age of just 13, she was aware of how isolated I could have become. 

Returning to school was my biggest challenge. That was when reality hit me. It was really tough, both emotionally and physically. I’d been very sporty before my accident, but the school didn’t adapt their PE lessons, so I couldn’t participate in many sporting activities. Thankfully, Back Up’s ski and Multi-Activity courses helped build my confidence, I made new friends and realised I could continue doing what I loved.  

After I finished university, I thought it would be easy to get a job. But during my job search, I encountered discrimination for the first time. That’s when I started volunteering at the Back Up office, where I could gain valuable work experience while building my skills and confidence. 

When a Paralympic sailing hopeful contacted Back Up looking for a helm, they put my name forward. I’ve since enjoyed a 10-year Paralympic career and continue to work in the sports industry. Without Back Up, that opportunity simply wouldn’t have happened. 

Now, 30 years on from my injury, I’m still involved. I keep in touch with the Back Up community and support events like The Push – I signed up for my third one this year! Back Up has been there through every stage of my life, helping me live it to the fullest. 

View Alexandra’s story in our 2024/25 Impact Report.