Alistair’s story: Moving forwards after spinal cord injury
2 March 2026
Meet Alistair:
- Lives in Lancashire
- Retired veterinary surgeon
- Enjoys chess, bridge and bird watching
In February 2025, Alistair sustained a spinal cord injury following a skiing accident in Italy. “I was skiing slowly down a slope and suddenly I fell into an 8-foot hole. I lay at the bottom hitting my legs, but I couldn’t feel anything – I immediately knew what had happened. I sustained a T10 complete injury which means I have no movement or sensation below my waist.”
He was taken to a hospital in Italy where he underwent surgery. “I was in shock for the first few days. I couldn’t believe what had happened and it felt catastrophic. I was 67 at the time and I knew this was going to completely change my future – I didn’t know how I was going to cope.”
After three weeks, he was repatriated to the UK. He was admitted to the Royal Preston Hospital and later transferred to the Southport spinal injuries centre to continue his rehabilitation.
During his time in hospital, Alistair encountered Back Up. “I was given a leaflet from the charity at first and then I connected with the team. I was eager to get all the support I could and I discovered the range of courses that Back Up offers.”
Keen to regain his confidence, he registered for our Manchester City Skills Course. “It was an empowering and emotional week. Each activity was really useful, and I started to believe in myself again.”
“The wheelchair skills sessions were transformative as I hadn’t received much guidance about how to use my chair in hospital. The course trainers taught me how to back wheel balance, get up kerbs and go down steps. The techniques I learned were illuminating.”
“I was also shown how to travel safely on public transport. As a group we practiced using buses, trains and trams, which helped develop my independence. Now I feel more optimistic about going out and travelling further afield.”
Throughout the week, Alistair became part of a nurturing community. “I went on the course seeking reassurance about my situation and what the future holds. Our group was made up of people in the early stages of spinal cord injury and individuals further on in their journey. It was encouraging to share our experiences, celebrate our progress so far, and help each other move forward.”
He also regularly enjoys connecting with others on the Back Up Lounge. “The Lounge is brilliant! It’s a very relaxed, friendly space where you can ask questions and get the answers you need without any judgement.”
This March, Alistair is giving back by taking part in Do the Loop 2026. “I know first-hand the life-changing impact that a spinal cord injury can have upon individuals and their families. Back Up provides invaluable support to our community. I want to help the charity reach even more people and offer them the support they deserve.”
Looking ahead to the future, he’s ambitious for more sporting adventures. “I’m hoping to join a Back Up Multi-Activity Course – it would be great to try new experiences and challenge myself. Outside of that, I’m also interested in taking up sailing, padel, badminton and golf.”
When asked what advice he would give to others, he says, “Spinal cord injury is one hell of a journey – look out for support and accept all the help you can get. Back Up are led by people with lived experience and they’re tremendously helpful – I don’t know how people do without them.”
