Rich’s story: Supporting others after spinal cord injury

23 March 2026

In 2009, Rich was on an exciting holiday in Cyprus with a group of close friends. One day, they were all scuba diving off the coast. Everything was going well, but following an out-of-air emergency they were forced to rapidly ascend from a depth of 40 metres. While his friends only had minor effects from decompression sickness (commonly known as the bends), Rich sustained a complete spinal cord injury at T4 level. 

‘‘The accident really gave me a new and very different perspective on life. In many ways, it changed my priorities.’’ 

Rich was taken to the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit in Glasgow for his rehabilitation, where he first encountered Back Up during a wheelchair skills training session. The training had an enormously positive impact on Rich. He realised that with the right skills, he could live life to the full as a wheelchair user. 

‘‘I remember those sessions as being hugely important to me. In many ways, the skills I learnt there formed the building blocks to the active life I now enjoy.’’ 

In 2016, Rich got back in touch with Back Up after his dad remembered hearing about the courses and other services the charity offers. At that time, Rich wanted to challenge himself physically, and see if he could still live a fun and active life as a wheelchair user. He certainly found what he was looking for. 

‘‘I went on one of Back Up’s skiing courses which I thoroughly enjoyed, and I made some lasting friendships too. The connections you make are amazing, as are the challenges.’’ 

Following the course, Rich wanted to get more involved with Back Up. The wheelchair skills sessions he attended during his rehabilitation had such a positive impact on his life that he felt encouraged to become a trainer, passing on those vitals skills to other newly injured people. This was his first volunteer role, which he took to like a natural. 

‘‘People go through a journey and it was amazing to help in what might only be a small part of that process, but one that for me was really important. It was amazing to see someone grow in confidence. People who, at the start of the session, believed they couldn’t get up a kerb on their own, ended up leaving with the skills to do it themselves or the confidence to ask for the correct support.’’ 

Moving into the present day, he is now Back Up’s Regional Outreach Team Leader for Scotland. Our Outreach and Engagement Team work across all regions of the UK, supporting people affected by spinal cord injury and raising awareness.  

He delivers wheelchair skills training and patient education sessions at the spinal injuries centre in Glasgow, and offers telephone support and in-person visits to hospitals and clinics throughout Scotland. 

When asked what the best thing about his job is, Rich says ‘‘I know it sounds corny but it’s the smiles on peoples’ faces…. that’s why I do it.’’