Mike’s story: taking on the next challenge
30 April 2026
By taking on the Serpentine Swim and joining Back Up’s Development Board, Mike is helping us support more people affected by spinal cord injury.
Before his spinal cord injury, he loved:
- Running
- Skiing
- Cycling
- Squash
Sport had long been part of who he was, and it still is now.
In 2019, Mike sustained a C7 spinal cord injury while cycling in Greece. The accident changed life overnight, not just for Mike but for his family too.
“One of the hardest things at the start was losing that sense of independence. Everyday things suddenly needed more thought, more planning and more effort, and that affects the people around you as well as you.”
For Mike, it was a stop-go moment, but he was clear that life does go on.
“Living with a spinal cord injury does change things, there’s no getting away from that. But it doesn’t mean life stops. It means you plan more, adapt, and find different ways to keep doing the things that matter to you.”
After a long career in the financial services industry, Mike formally retired last year. Now, he is putting his time and energy into supporting others affected by spinal cord injury, while continuing to take on new challenges himself.
This year, Mike is supporting Back Up in a number of ways. He is part of our Development Board, helping to identify opportunities to raise the funds needed to support the services we offer to people affected by spinal cord injury.
He is also taking on a fundraising challenge of his own by swimming two miles at the London Serpentine Swim in September. For Mike, the challenge is about more than crossing the finish line:
“I know the swim is going to be slow and hard, but I’m determined to get to the finish. For me, it’s about doing the challenge, raising as much money as I can and helping more people hear about Back Up and the support that’s available.”
The Serpentine Swim will also mark an incredible milestone. Mike ran the London Marathon twice before his injury. He has completed RideLondon 100 miles seven times in total, five times before his injury and twice as a wheelchair cyclist. By completing the two-mile Serpentine Swim, he will have completed all three London (run, ride, swim) Classics!
“Challenges look different for me now, but the motivation is still the same. I want to keep pushing myself, and if I can do that while raising money and awareness for Back Up, that makes it even more worthwhile.”
Mike’s story is a reminder that life after spinal cord injury may be different, but it can still be full of ambition, determination and purpose.
And through everything he is doing with Back Up, Mike is helping more people find their own way forward.
Support Mike:
You can support Mike through his JustGiving page here:
