Jack’s story: Empowerment after spinal cord injury
30 March 2026
Meet Jack:
- Drama school student
- Table tennis player
- Once featured as an extra in a film starring Meryl Streep
At the age of 15, Jack developed a tumour on his spine from T8-T11. “My mum noticed that I had started walking with a limp. An MRI scan revealed I had a tumour, so I had an operation to remove it, but it grew back. I then underwent radiotherapy and two more surgeries, but the tumour spread up my spine. I’m now paralysed from the waist down, with full upper body strength but no movement in my legs.”
Following his injury, he found it hard to imagine the future. “My life had changed suddenly at quite a transformative age. I was at the stage of life where I needed to start making decisions about my future, but I didn’t know what would be possible.”
During his rehabilitation at the Stoke Mandeville National Spinal Injuries Centre, he discovered Back Up. “To brighten my time in hospital, I started taking part in the charity’s cookery sessions. Once a month the Back Up team would take a group of us food shopping, and then we’d come back and make different dishes. It was really good fun and over time I learned more about the charity’s services.”
After being discharged, Jack signed up for our Moving Forwards course which helped him regain his independence. “Throughout the week we were taught a range of wheelchair skills. We went around Bath learning techniques like going down stairs and using escalators. It was really valuable to practice outside in real-life situations because I now feel confident handling everyday challenges, for example lifts being out of order or using public transport.”
“As a wheelchair user, I didn’t want to feel trapped or powerless – wheelchair skills training helped me regain my power.”
Now, he continues to find support through our Outreach and Engagement Team. “I’m still discovering what life looks like now – whenever I have a question or a concern, I reach out to the Back Up team. Speaking to other people with spinal cord injuries who understand your experience is really special. From employment guidance to information about driving, their support is invaluable.”
With an eye on the future, Jack wants to light up the silver screen as a professional actor. And when he’s not in front of a camera, he hopes to start competing internationally in table tennis and embark on lots of travel adventures, with trips to New York, Philadelphia and Marrakesh.
Reflecting on his journey, he says, “A spinal cord injury can feel terrible, and it causes a huge shift in your world. But life does go on and, with the support of Back Up, you’ll grow to realise that you can still enjoy every aspect of life.”
