Samantha’s story: Supporting families to rediscover hope
28 May 2026
Meet Samantha:
- Graduate Occupational Therapist
- Starred in Kirstie and Phil’s Love It or List It
- Likes all things Disney
In March 2017, Samantha’s partner sustained a spinal cord injury following a motorbike accident. “Andy went out for a ride with his brother and he was involved in a road traffic incident. In a twist of fate, he came away with no cuts or bruises, but he damaged his spinal cord. He sustained an injury from C5-C7, meaning he has no movement or sensation from his collarbone down. He can use his arms but he doesn’t have finger function.”
In the months that followed, Samantha felt unsure what the future would hold. “I worried about practical things, like how to alter the house, how to get an adapted car, and how to go out and about together. But I also worried about the emotional side of things, like how we would spend time as a couple, and how this situation could affect our relationship.”
After her partner was transferred to the spinal centre in Sheffield, they discovered Back Up. “Andy connected with the charity’s Outreach Team and he started attending their wheelchair skills training sessions in hospital. From there, we found out that they offered support for family members too.”
“I visited the Back Up website and it was invaluable! I found so much useful information about spinal cord injury, its impact, and the support that was out there for us. It made things feel a lot less scary and it showed me that the future was still full of hope.”
In 2019, Samantha decided to become a volunteer Family Mentor for the charity. “Two years after Andy’s injury we felt further along in our journey, and I had learned so much along the way. I wanted to share what I had learned with others to help them understand the path ahead and move forwards with confidence.”
“As a mentor, I connect with people of all ages, from individuals in their late teens to others in their mid-60s. Their partners are affected by spinal cord injury in different ways, and we talk through our experiences together.”
“I answer people’s questions and share practical guidance around topics like IVF, navigating life with carers, and travelling with your partner after injury. And I offer emotional support too, listening to people’s worries or concerns and helping them find that light at the end of the tunnel.”
Through volunteering, Samantha also continues to learn and grow herself. “Speaking to people who understand is really special. The people I mentor often share their latest experiences or discoveries with me too, and they introduce me to things I’ve never heard of. It feels like we build each other up together, one step at a time.”
Reflecting on her journey, she says, “You only know what you know, so please don’t worry alone. If you’re concerned about something or you can’t find the way forward, reach out to Back Up. They can connect you with a community that will show you the way with kindness and care.”
