Becky’s story: Support for children with a spinal cord injury

8 May 2025

Children and young people, Family

Meet Becky:

  • In her second year at University, studying Forensic Science
  • Represented Team GB in Wheelchair Rugby
  • Is a Back Up Mentor

Becky spoke about her experience of spinal cord injury, as part of our City Dinner fundraising event at The Savoy, in May 2025. She shares how Back Up supported her and her family and why she became a mentor to support other children with spinal cord injury. Watch her video.

“I was just 10 when I sustained my spinal cord injury and Back Up has been with me ever since. That’s why I told my story at Back Up’s City Dinner fundraising event – to share why this charity is so important and why people’s support matters.

When my injury happened, everything changed in an instant. But Back Up has been there every step of the way – supporting me, answering my questions, and showing me that life with a spinal cord injury is still full of opportunities. I’m lucky to be able to mentor others now and hear their stories. It’s amazing to see how Back Up has helped so many people, just like it helped me.

I was in a wheelchair, yes, but I didn’t feel any different from the kids around me.

I’m from up North, and unfortunately, my mum and dad couldn’t make it to the event because of work, but I had to mention them. They are my heroes. When I was injured, Back Up didn’t have the education services they do now, so it was my mum who had to fight every step of the way to make sure I could go to the school I wanted.

I was just 10 when I sustained my spinal cord injury, at the end of Year 6, and the education system wanted to send me to a special needs school. That would have meant missing out on the chance to study, to make the friends I’ve got now, and to live a normal life. I was in a wheelchair, yes, but I didn’t feel any different from the kids around me.

My mum wasn’t having any of that. She fought for me, and because of her, I was able to go to the school I wanted. I passed my exams and, now, I’m heading into my second year at university, studying Forensic Science. I hope to keep going and do a PhD. None of that would have been possible without her, and without the support Back Up provided in those early days.

One of the first things I did with Back Up after leaving the hospital was go on a multi-activity course for children with a spinal cord injury, in Exmoor. I was 11, still trying to figure things out after my injury, but I was determined to try new things. I couldn’t move my legs, but I went horseback riding, tried abseiling, kayaking, and even did obstacle courses.

I remember thinking, “These are things I’ll never do again.” But I was wrong. It was my first glimpse of what life could still be like, and it gave me so much confidence.

I remember thinking, “These are things I’ll never do again.” But I was wrong. It was my first glimpse of what life could still be like, and it gave me so much confidence. I’ve kept coming back to Back Up over the years – attending their courses, learning how to use my wheelchair, meeting others who got it, and always leaving feeling more confident in what I could achieve.

I’ve always loved sport. I used to be a gymnast, and after my injury, I wasn’t sure what I could still do. But after that first course with Back Up, I realised there were so many possibilities. One sport I’ve always wanted to try was wheelchair rugby. At first, my mum didn’t want me to play – she was worried about me getting hurt. After watching them play, she let me join, and I’ve never looked back. Now, I play whenever I can, and I even had the incredible opportunity to represent Team GB last year. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for the Paralympics!

Supporting children with a spinal cord injury

As I got older, I started mentoring other children with a spinal cord injury. I offer advice, answer questions, and share my experiences. I want to help give back to Back Up and the support they gave to me.

One of the biggest fears people with spinal cord injuries face is how they’ll manage when they go home, where things might not be accessible. You wonder if you’ll miss out – on school, on the activities you love, or just on life. That’s why it’s amazing that Back Up now has an education service to help parents, like mine, fight for the support their children deserve. It’s a vital service that doesn’t just help people get by, but gives them the tools to live the life they want.

As I got older, I started mentoring other children with a spinal cord injury. I offer advice, answer questions, and share my experiences. I want to help give back to Back Up and the support they gave to me.

When my injury happened, everything changed in an instant. But Back Up has been there every step of the way – supporting me, answering my questions, and showing me that life with a spinal cord injury is still full of opportunities. I’m lucky to be able to mentor others now and hear their stories. It’s amazing to see how Back Up has helped so many people, just like it helped me.

There are so many people out there with spinal cord injuries who don’t have the same support that I’ve had, and no one should have to face this journey alone.”

Thank you to Becky and her sister for sharing their story with us.

If you or a family member have been affected by spinal cord injury, register for support today.

Inspired to give something back? Learn more about becoming a Back Up volunteer.