Richard’s story: Rediscovering confidence after spinal cord injury
7 January 2026
Meet Richard:
- Father of two
- Lecturer at the University of Southampton
- World record holding fundraiser for Back Up
In 2006, just after graduating and starting his first job, Richard went to visit friends at his old university. After diving into shallow water in a swimming pool, he sustained a high level spinal cord injury that changed the direction of his life.
“I became paralysed from the shoulders down and I’m now a full-time wheelchair user. I have limited use of my arms and no dexterity in my hands or fingers.”
Suddenly, Richard was navigating a completely different reality. Everyday tasks became dependent on support from others, and even small setbacks could shift his independence dramatically. “I masquerade as being very independent and quite able, but in reality, on a bad day, I am entirely dependent on someone else to support me.”
Discovering Back Up
During Richard’s time in hospital, he learned about Back Up. He was immediately drawn to the charity’s approach to teaching practical skills and offering guidance.
“I kind of gravitated towards Back Up because the support was coming from those who had real, lived experience. They provided valuable hints and tips about how I could still live my life and do ‘stuff’ as a wheelchair user. And that is what, for me, Back Up is all about.”
Wheelchair skills training helped him develop his abilities. “It gave me that confidence to push the limits of what someone with my level of injury might be able to do.”
After leaving hospital, he took part in a multi-activity course in Exmoor, which helped him reconnect with activities he loved.
“It got me comfortable being back in water because I had a shallow water injury. It was a really nice balance of a supportive, nurturing environment, but also a fun, humorous experience, encouraging you to do that next thing you might not have done.”
New life, new challenges and a positive future
Now, Richard has a busy professional and family life. He is a Principal Enterprise Fellow at the University of Southampton, a non-executive director for several social purpose organisations, and a dad to two young children. “If you have had a spinal injury, you know what a bad day is, right. So really, life is all upside now. You know what a bad day is, and so just go for things, seize opportunities.”
Pushing limits and setting a world record
This year Richard set himself a challenge for National Fitness Day to raise money for Back Up. He used a Concept2 ski machine to set a marathon record in the sit three category – something that has never been achieved before.
“Because no one had done it before I could set it the first time, and therefore as long as I got to the end I would be okay.”
He completed the full marathon distance of 42,195 metres in 5 hours 49 minutes and 6.6 seconds, raising £10,000 in the process.
Why Back Up still matters
Even twenty years after his injury, Richard sees Back Up as a reliable source of support for anyone affected by spinal cord injury.
“My view for Back Up is it has always been the place to go for real-life, grounded advice. The service they provide is unique and invaluable.”
He knows that Back Up will be behind him whenever life presents a new challenge.
“I know that if I ever come across something that I find difficult, they will be there. And someone will have been through that before and will be able to help me figure out whatever it may be.”
