Balsam’s story: Finding support, community and guidance
28 October 2025
Meet Balsam:
- Mother of two
- Consultant in Public Health at a large teaching hospital
- Enjoys cooking
In December 2020, Balsam’s 14-year-old son, Daniel, developed extreme pain in his legs. “Within a short space of time he lost the ability to walk, so we took him to our GP and then onto A&E. That was it, he was then in hospital for six months.”
Daniel was admitted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle upon Tyne, and then later transferred to Stoke Mandeville Hospital for his rehabilitation. He was diagnosed with transverse myelitis – an inflammation of the spinal cord – at C5.
He initially made significant progress and was able to walk unaided by the end of his time in hospital. However, shortly after returning home from Stoke Mandeville, he suddenly relapsed and became a full-time wheelchair user. “It was, and continues to be, a real shock for the family because he was the healthiest among us.”
During Daniel’s time at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Balsam connected with another mum online who encouraged her to reach out to Back Up. “I got in touch with the charity and from there I was connected with so many brilliant teams. Back Up helped me in ways I didn’t even know I needed.”
She first made use of our mentoring service. “I had so many questions and I felt quite overwhelmed, so I asked for a mentor quite early on. Having someone who could listen, empathise and understand our journey without any judgement – that was invaluable.”
When Daniel was ready to return to school, Balsam also reached out to our Vocation Team. “Back Up supported us through every stage of the education process. The team gave me information about Education, Health and Care Plans, they helped us apply to a school that was more accommodating to Daniel’s needs, and they attended a staff and student assembly with him to help educate his peers. The education support we received was just outstanding!”
Almost five years on from Daniel’s injury, Balsam still regularly attends the Back Up Family Lounge. “I have taken so many questions to the group over the years, and I still do now – there’s no limit to what you can ask and no questions are frowned upon. It’s really valuable to be surrounded by such a supportive group of people who have been on similar journeys and understand what you’re going through.”
Reflecting on her family’s experience, she says: “You don’t know what you don’t know on this journey and every day is learning, but having this community around us has made us feel less alone. Back Up is a lifeline, and they’ve shown us the art of the possible.”
