Joe’s story: Adventure after spinal cord injury
2 December 2025
Meet Joe:
- Manager of an accessible gym
- Former heavy equipment mechanic
- Loves travelling and camping
In 2024, Joe lived and worked in western Australia. During a trip to Myalup Beach, he had a diving accident. “I dived through a wave, but the water was too shallow. I hit my head on a sandbank and broke my neck on the seabed.”
He sustained a C4/5 spinal cord injury and was admitted to hospital in Australia for seven months. He was then repatriated to the UK, where he continued his rehabilitation at The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough.
During his time in the spinal centre, Joe discovered Back Up. “There were leaflets about the charity around the unit, and then someone told me about an upcoming wheelchair skills session. I went along to the training and I learned lots of tips about moving around both indoors and outdoors – that was really useful!”
After taking part in wheelchair skills training, he felt encouraged to join a multi-activity course in the Lake District. “I wanted to challenge myself and get back to the adventurous lifestyle I used to live – Back Up’s multi-activity course offered me the chance to do that.”
Throughout the week, he took part in a range of activities. “I got to participate in lots of cool sessions, from archery to abseiling to zip-lining. I had done some of these activities before my injury, but doing them now felt like I proved something to myself and I rediscovered what’s possible.”
The course leaders and trainers also supported him to develop his wheelchair skills further. “Prior to the residential, I had new power-assisted wheels fitted to my wheelchair and they kept making my chair tip backwards. The Back Up team helped me get the hang of them, learning their sensitivities and adjusting them to work for me.”
During his time in the Lake District, he became part of a supportive community. “There were people with different levels of injury on the course, but everyone got stuck in. We all wanted to help each other as much as we could, and there was such an encouraging atmosphere amongst the group.”
Now, Joe’s feeling ambitious for new adventures! He plans to begin travelling again, and hopes to become a Back Up volunteer so he can share his experiences with others.
Reflecting on his journey, he says “Try to keep positive and give everything your best shot. Back Up can help you try so many new and exciting opportunities, so give things a go, have fun and enjoy it. Why not?!”
This Big Give week, please help more people like Joe believe in what’s possible after spinal cord injury by donating today.
From midday on 2 December to midday on 9 December, your donation will be matched by our amazing supporters Big Yellow and Reed Foundation, up to our appeal target of £75,000.
