Bethany’s story: Regaining independence with the support of Back Up
7 January 2026
Meet Bethany:
- Author, poet and disability activist
- Lives in Monmouthshire, South Wales
- Loves surfing and spending time outdoors
Bethany loves being outside. She grew up hiking, surfing and kayaking, and adventure has always been a big part of her life. In her twenties, she developed an infection alongside a number of complex chronic medical conditions and became a full-time wheelchair user. She has limited movement or sensation below her T12 vertebrae and she is tube fed.
Already living with chronic illness, Bethany had some experience of using a wheelchair, but becoming a full-time wheelchair user brought new challenges. “I was shocked by how different it was. I came out into a world that wasn’t accessible, with a poorly fitting wheelchair that caused me pain. I couldn’t go home and I even had to shower at my local leisure centre for a while. It felt impossible to be ambitious or imagine my future when I was negotiating so many barriers.”
One of the toughest things for Bethany was losing access to the outdoors. “So many of my favourite places became inaccessible – often not because of being a wheelchair user, but because of steps, stiles, kissing gates and badly maintained paths.”
She also didn’t know any other young wheelchair users at the time. “That was incredibly isolating. I had supportive friends, but no one who shared my experiences.”
Bethany first discovered Back Up when she met members of the team while water skiing with Access Adventures. “That weekend really changed me. After speaking to Back Up, I felt hopeful about what might be possible.”
She went on to take part in our Moving Forwards course for 18-25-year-olds in Bath. “I was reluctant at first because I thought I might be too old, or that it was for people who had never lived independently. But it turned out to be exactly what I needed.”
On the course, Bethany learned practical wheelchair skills that boosted her confidence and independence. “I didn’t realise how much I could do – from safely self-propelling and carrying food, to managing kerbs, hills and transfers.”
The course also introduced Bethany to a supportive community. “Meeting other wheelchair users who really get it has been everything. That community has given me strength, confidence and friendships for life.”
Now, Bethany feels more ambitious and independent. She has travelled abroad with friends, returned to surfing using an adapted board, and continues to spend time in the outdoors. Reflecting on her journey, she says: “Community is everything. Through Back Up, I’ve learned what’s possible – and that you can live a beautiful life on wheels.”
