Meet Merryn: A quickfire Q&A with our Front Row Committee Member
3 July 2025
Meet Merryn
- Film lover and bookworm
- Has a passion for fashion
- Is part of our Front Row: Next Gen Committee
Merryn sustained a spinal cord injury in 2009 when she was 18 years old. She first encountered Back Up while she was in hospital, and later attended a Multi Activity course. She’s also been a volunteer supporting other young people, a wheelchair skills trainer, a group leader on our courses and has worked at Back Up in our Courses team!
As we look ahead to Front Row: Next Gen – our fashion show and fundraiser this September – we caught up with Merryn who’s a member of our Front Row Event Committee.
We hear about Merryn’s journey, her passions, and why she’s so excited for what’s coming next.
Front Row: Next Gen is not like anything you’ve seen before. It’s all about fun, fashion – especially adaptive fashion – and sharing the space with like-minded people
“It’s my first year on the Committee,” Merryn says, “and I’m here for the new look Front Row: Next Gen – we’re redesigning and reimagining it for a new generation of supporters.”
“I’ve previously been part of the amazing Back Up Ball Committee, but as we’re taking a break for 2025 and building on making the Ball even bigger and better for Back Up’s 40th anniversary next year, I got involved with Front Row!”
“I’ve had a great time learning the ropes and seeing how it all works on the Front Row Committee. And having a spinal cord injury myself helps us make sure it’s as accessible and inclusive as possible.”
“Front Row: Next Gen is not like anything you’ve seen before. It’s all about fun, fashion – especially adaptive fashion – and sharing the space with like-minded people who get it. It’s more than just a fashion show!”
The Rapid-Fire Report: Getting to know Merryn
We also asked Merryn to take part in our quickfire Q&A – here’s what she had to say.
📚 What are you reading?
“I’ve always got a paper copy and an audio book on the go. I’ve just started reading Grace Spence Green’s To Exist As I Am. Grace and I were injured at a very similar age, at a very similar time in our lives. I was injured when I was 18, and being in a spinal unit at that kind of age is quite a unique experience. It’s so beautifully written. It’s like someone put words to my own thoughts and experiences. If you want some insight into what life with a spinal cord injury is like, this is the book to read.”
🍴 Favourite place to eat?
“Seven Dials in London for a pre-theatre bite – casual, buzzy, great food. I love going out to eat with my friends, and also alone sometimes. But honestly? Nothing beats a Cornish pasty on the beach at home in Cornwall.”
🎧 Podcasts in your playlist?
“I’m currently obsessed with Films to Be Buried With, a show that gets guests talking about their lives through the movies they love. It’s such an unusual but brilliant premise – and cinema is something I absolutely love.”
🎬 Favourite film?
“It’s not a fun watch but I was completely blown away by The Zone of Interest last year, which IMO might be one of the most important films ever made.”
🎭 Current obsession?
“Theatre. Musicals, plays, ballet – I love it. Operation Mincemeat has been my obsession lately. I was also at the ballet recently watching Onegin. That was a really cool experience – right up in the nosebleeds – but just still such a vibe.”
✈️ What’s your big recommendation?
“Travel – solo or otherwise. Especially for people with spinal cord injuries: get out there, even just locally. Rome was challenging but so worth it. It’s not known to be the most accessible city in the world, but with the right kind of wheelchair adaptation, it’s really doable and I had a great time. I’d just maybe go earlier in spring next time!”
🍦 Go-to treat?
“I have a big bag of sweets in front of me right now, so I have to say sweets! And ice cream! Even a Cornetto from the freezer makes me happy, especially in this heat.”
Join Merryn at Front Row: Next Gen
Front Row: Next Gen is BACK, and it’s bigger, bolder and more unmissable than ever. We’re turning up the heat with a whole new vibe – more energy, more inclusion, and more reasons to be there.
Date: 17 September 2025
Time: 6:30–10:00 PM
Location: Battersea Arts Centre, London – the iconic setting for an unforgettable night of fashion, style and community.
