Maia’s story: Community and support after spinal cord injury
6 August 2025
Meet Maia:
- Studying A-Levels in RE, PE and psychology
- Loves playing and watching wheelchair basketball
- Has the spectacular middle name Sparkles
In May 2021, Maia’s life changed overnight. At 13 years old, she developed transverse myelitis – an inflammation of the spinal cord – at T10/12, and became paralysed from the waist down. “One evening I was out walking and dancing with my friends. The following morning I started getting pins and needles in my legs, and by the end of the day, I was unable to walk.”
Maia began her rehabilitation at the National Spinal Injuries Centre at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. However, Covid-19 lockdown restrictions limited the support available to her. “I was only allowed to see two people throughout my time in hospital. It was lonely, especially when I was trying to get used to a whole new way of living.”
Then she discovered Back Up. “I heard about these Wacky Wednesday sessions that were run by the charity. Back Up would bring ingredients into the spinal centre and the ward would cook together. It was the first time I had seen everyone come together like that and it made the world feel normal again.”
Through her involvement with Wacky Wednesdays, Maia learned about Back Up’s mentoring service. “I reached out to the charity and was assigned a brilliant mentor. She helped me with so much, from how to travel confidently in a wheelchair to different sports I could get involved with after my injury.”
Maia’s mentor soon encouraged her to make use of Back Up’s other services, and in August 2023 she signed up for a young person’s Multi-Activity course. “The course gave me my independence back and I discovered what my new normal looked like. I tried so many fun activities and learned so many skills, like how to get up a curb by myself – I don’t know where I’d be without that experience.”
Back Up also supported Maia when she returned to school. Maia’s mum, Jenny, says, “The charity helped us so much! They spoke to the school and gave advice on accessibility, phased returns and exams – things we wouldn’t have thought of on our own.”
Inspired by her experience, Maia was determined to give back to Back Up. Over time, she took on numerous volunteering roles, becoming a young group leader, mentor and wheelchair skills trainer. “I love being part of other people’s journeys, like others at the charity were for me.”
Maia also became part of Back Up’s Youth Advisory Group, who help develop the charity’s services for children and young people. “As part of this group, I helped create a youth City Skills course, and in April 2025 I took part as a young group leader which was awesome.”
Most recently, Maia’s latest challenge saw her taking part in The Push 2025. She led Team Kingsley Napley as they pushed, pulled and climbed their way up Yr Wyddfa, raising an incredible £7,000 to support Back Up’s services.
When asked what advice she would give to others affected by spinal cord injury, Maia says, “Back Up helps people believe in themselves again. Everyone should know about what they do and make the most of every opportunity because it’s life-changing.”
Jenny adds, “Back Up is warm, kind and understanding. They changed Maia’s life, and we feel proud to be part of that community.”
