Peter’s story: Building confidence after spinal cord injury
30 July 2026
Meet Peter:
- Just completed his GCSEs
- Plays the clarinet as part of a wind band
- Competes nationally in para badminton and wheelchair rugby
In 2019, Peter was diagnosed with a cancerous tumour which compressed his spine at T2. “I was eight years old when I sustained my spinal cord injury. As the damage was incomplete, I have no movement below my chest, but I have varying levels of sensation.”
He was admitted to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital to begin treatment and rehabilitation. “At first, we had to focus on the cancer treatment because it was more significant, so my spinal cord injury almost felt secondary. But as I returned to daily life, I started to realise the impact of my injury and how it was going to affect me.”
“The six months I spent in hospital were hard work. I was receiving cancer treatment, whilst also going to physiotherapy and occupational therapy every day to regain my core strength and balance.”
A few months after he was discharged, Peter’s mum reached out to Back Up for support. “My mum found a leaflet that we had been given in Manchester and she got in touch with the charity’s Family Support Service.”
“From there, we were introduced to the Children and Young People Team who helped me return to school. They worked with my mum to develop an Education, Health and Care Plan, and they even came into my school to give an assembly about spinal cord injury for my classmates.”
After receiving this support, Peter felt empowered to give something back by becoming a Young Group Leader for Back Up. “I first volunteered as a Leader on an under 13s multi-activity course in the Lake District. It felt great encouraging others to embrace new adventures and watching their confidence grow throughout the week.”
“The course also enabled me to challenge myself. I took part in lots of different activities, including horse riding, abseiling and archery – each experience gave me the opportunity to push my boundaries and test my limits, all whilst having fun!”
Alongside group leading, he volunteers as a Young Wheelchair Skills Trainer. “Most recently, I was an instructor on the Youth City Skills course in Bristol. I really enjoyed teaching people how to get up steep hills, go down steps and use the correct pushing techniques. The skills they learned increased their self-belief navigating the city of Bristol, which then helped them see that they could get around other places in the future.”
“The City Skills residential also helped me discover what’s possible as a young wheelchair user. As a group, we went on lots of different adventures, visiting the SS Great Britain, going bowling, and completing a treasure hunt. It was really engaging, and staying away from home independently gave me the confidence to plan more trips by myself.”
When he’s not on a course, Peter is also a member of our Youth Advisory Group. “Being part of the Youth Advisory Group gives you a voice. You can come together with other young people and share your experiences with those who truly understand. Together, we help shape Back Up’s youth services, talking through ideas and making suggestions for the future. It’s a really friendly and supportive group!”
Reflecting on his journey, Peter says, “When you sustain a spinal cord injury, you may want to shut yourself away – but don’t let that happen! Reach out to Back Up and get involved with as much as you can – you’ll find self-belief, community and connection, and you won’t regret it!”
