Ella’s Story: Growing up with a spinal cord injury
15 July 2025
Meet Ella
- A personal trainer
- Loves TV gameshows
- Model for our Front Row: Next Gen fashion show and fundraising event
“I was born with a spinal cord injury. Just a few days before I was born, my mum noticed that I had stopped kicking. When I arrived, my arms were quite floppy and my legs weren’t moving. It took about two months for doctors to understand what happened. It turned out that I’d had a blood clot in my spinal cord around the T1 to T4 vertebrae. I am paralysed from the chest down.
In some ways, I count myself lucky. I’ve never known life any other way. I’ve grown up in a very supportive family – I have two older sisters, and my parents always made sure I was treated like everyone else. That mindset has stayed with me. I’ve had a very normal life, and my injury has never stopped me from doing the things I love.
I first met Back Up as a child. I can’t remember exactly how we found them, but I went on an activity course for younger children with my dad – and we both absolutely loved it! We went to Exmoor, to the Calvert Trust, and tried loads of different sports – sailing, horse riding, rock climbing and practising wheelchair skills. More than anything, it was my first opportunity to meet other children with a spinal cord injury. It’s really important, especially at a young age to have children to chat with and share similar experiences.
Back Up has been in my life ever since. I’ve taken part in Front Row a few times, and my mum is now a Back Up mentor – supporting other families going through similar experiences.
If I were to give any advice to a child who’s just sustained a spinal cord injury, it would be this: just live your life to the full. Don’t let anything stop you. If you want to do something, there’s almost always a way to make it happen. And if you ever feel stuck or unsure, Back Up is a great place to turn. They’ve got a network of people with lived experience who can offer support, practical tips, and a sense of community.”
Front Row: fresh, fun – and feathers
“I’m really excited to be involved in Front Row again this year. It’s taking on a new direction – called Front Row: Next Gen. There’ll be no sit-down dinner this time, it’s a more relaxed event aimed at younger people. There’ll be catwalk shows, pop-up shops, and even live portraits being done on the night. It feels fresh, current, and it’s in such a cool venue too. I can’t wait to see what our stylist Lisa comes up with. Last time, she dressed me in a bright red and pink leopard print shirt – I loved it so much I ended up keeping it! I’ll definitely be looking out for outfits with lots of colour, and maybe some feathers too!
Back Up is a charity that’s really close to my heart. They’ve been there all the way through my life and through my spinal cord injury – so being part of Front Row: Next Gen is my way of giving back to Back Up! I’m proud to be involved in such a special event that shows how people can reach their full potential after spinal cord injury.
If you’re into fashion, or just fancy a great night out, come along. It’s fun, stylish, and fabulous – just like Back Up and the people they support!”
