Justin’s story: Empowering others after spinal cord injury
27 May 2026
Meet Justin:
- Wheelchair rugby coach
- Competed for Team GB at the Paralympic Games in Athens and Beijing
- Formidable poker player
Justin sustained a spinal cord injury whilst playing rugby at university in 1992. “I went in for a tackle and suddenly I felt a sharp pain in my neck. At first I was told that I had spinal shock, but as the day went on I realised things were more serious and I knew life was going to look very different. I had broken my neck at C6/C7, meaning I’m paralysed from the chest down, and I have limited use of my hands and fingers.”
After returning to university to finish his degree, Justin was ready for a new challenge, so he took part in a Back Up ski-karting course. “The trip to Sweden was amazing! It gave me the opportunity to try things I had never imagined as a wheelchair user – from skiing down slopes and falling into the snow, to having the best hot chocolates and relaxing in a sauna.”
“The residential also helped me build my confidence travelling abroad. The course leaders had spinal cord injuries themselves and they showed us how to navigate flying as a wheelchair user. Seeing that there were people out there living life in a way that worked for them was really encouraging.”
Following the ski-karting course, he joined the charity as a volunteer in 2003. “The organisation was in the process of creating their wheelchair skills programme and they asked me to help them. I went up to the Lake District to support the team, and shortly after Back Up’s wheelchair skills service was born.”
23 years later, he’s continuing to empower others as a volunteer Wheelchair Skills Trainer. “I coach sessions on multi-activity courses, as well as offering training at the London Spinal Cord Injury Centre. Seeing people master new techniques and regain independence over time is just fantastic, and it always brings a smile to my face.”
“Wheelchair Skills Training also creates a really supportive network. People who are newly injured and individuals further into their journey come together, encouraging each other to try new techniques and conquer different challenges within a safe environment.”
As well as guiding participants, he trains new Wheelchair Skills Trainers. “Believing in the disabled community is so important. Back Up see the value of people with lived experience of spinal cord injury, and they help them develop so they can go on to support others. I really enjoy being part of that process so that we can lift one another up together.”
After he’s finished teaching people the latest tricks, Justin also volunteers on our What Next? course. “Sustaining a spinal cord injury is the start of a new journey, and it can be worrying or confusing at times. Throughout the What Next? programme, I share my experiences around topics like pain management, mobility, and bladder and bowel care. I hope to show people that they are not alone and help them move forwards with confidence.”
When asked what advice he would give to others, he says, “The Back Up community are so willing to help each other. Whether you’re looking to connect with people on the Lounge, or you want to challenge yourself on a course, it’s a really welcoming charity and there will always be a place for you.”
