Julie’s story: Connection and understanding after spinal cord injury
2 December 2025
Meet Julie:
- Loves spending time with her family
- Enjoys gardening and crafting
- Worked in social care for over 30 years
In July 2024, Julie felt a twinge in the top of her back. The pain intensified over four days, until one morning she developed a burning sensation down her right side. “I couldn’t move my right arm or my right leg, and then suddenly I collapsed.”
She was taken into hospital with a suspected stroke, however she was later diagnosed with Brown Sequard Syndrome and an epidural abscess from C3 to C7. “It took a while for me to accept my injury and acknowledge that life would look very different now. I would have to do everything at a much slower pace.”
Following an operation to remove the abscess, Julie was determined to make as much progress as possible. “I attended hospital physio as often as I could, and I used to practice physio with my visitors twice a day. I even bought some earphones and I would have a little disco dance in my hospital bed each day to try and advance my recovery. After a while it paid off, and I was able to stand again.”
At the end of August, Julie returned home to continue her rehabilitation. Whilst searching for support and information online, she discovered Back Up. “At first, I started reading people’s stories on the charity’s website – they gave me hope!”
“The stories meant a lot because I didn’t know anyone in a similar situation to me, and I really wanted to feel a connection with others. They helped me see that things could get better and that I could still live a very happy, fulfilling life after my injury.”
Later, she felt encouraged to sign up for mentoring. “I was connected with a fantastic mentor who had a similar injury to me. Having the opportunity to talk to somebody who truly understood was invaluable, and there wasn’t a question I couldn’t ask.”
“My mentor helped me with lots of practical challenges, like getting back into driving and adapting my wedding plans. She was also a huge emotional support and I was able to share my experiences open and honestly, without judgement – that was just amazing.”
Following her mentoring, Julie was empowered to make lots of new plans, including tending to her allotment, taking care of her granddaughter and travelling across France and Belgium on a cheese and chocolate tour.
Reflecting on her journey, she says “Hold on to your self-belief, remember your self-determination and practice your self-compassion. Things don’t always turn out the way you expect, but Back Up can help you re-discover what’s possible.”
This Big Give week, please help more people like Julie rediscover 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.
