Abigail’s September Update

3 September 2025

An update from our CEO, Abigail Lock

Reading Yasmin and Dan’s stories this month reminds me exactly why we do this work. That moment when someone realises they’re not alone, when they connect with someone who truly gets it – that’s the Back Up magic in action.

If like me, you are interested in other people’s stories look out for our Impact Report which will be launched later this month. It shows we’re reaching more people than ever before with 43,000 support sessions this year compared to 31,000 last year. These aren’t just numbers to me; they represent thousands of moments where someone found hope, gained confidence, or simply felt understood.

September brings both glamour in the form of Front Row: Next Gen and challenge for our amazing London to Paris cyclists. These events aren’t just fundraising; they’re about bringing people together and creating meaningful connections. Good luck to everyone who is taking part.

With 105,000 people living with spinal cord injury in the UK, and too many still missing out on specialist support, we’ve got work to do. But reading about individuals experiences in our Impact Report and seeing what we’ve achieved this year gives me huge confidence in what’s possible.

P.S. September brings change for me personally as I head off on a three month sabbatical. Kevin Filby, Back Up’s Director of Services, will be taking up the reins whilst I am gone with the support of the Back Up team and trustees.