“Being there from the beginning”, Barbara Broccoli CBE on 40 years of Back Up 

4 February 2026

Barbara Broccoli CBE is one of the entertainment industry’s most successful producers, particularly renowned for her work on the iconic James Bond movies. She is the Founding Patron of Back Up.

In 1985, Barbara approached her friend and world-class skier, Mike Nemesvary, to film the amazing aerial stunts in the film A View to a Kill. Three months later, Mike broke his neck during a routine trampoline workout. Barbara was a regular presence at Mike’s bedside and set up a fund to support him during his rehabilitation. She was also one of the driving forces in setting up Back Up, using her considerable influence in the film industry to gain support and funds for the charity. 

As Back Up celebrates its 40th birthday, we’re speaking to the people whose belief, energy and compassion helped shape the charity from the very beginning. One of them is our Founding Patron, Barbara Broccoli CBE.

In this special Q&A, Barbara reflects on the early days of Back Up, the moment the idea took root, and her hopes for the future as the charity continues to champion independence, confidence and community for people affected by spinal cord injury. 

How and when did you first get involved with Back Up?

Mike was a highly accomplished freestyle skier, and we were very fortunate to work with him when he featured in the pre-title sequence of A View to a Kill. After his trampoline accident in 1985, I used to visit him in hospital in Stanmore with his friend Konrad Bartelski.

We soon realised that at the time a large proportion of people affected by spinal injuries were young, active and passionate about sport.

That’s when we came up with the idea of Back Up – to provide practical support when people with spinal injuries returned home from hospital, to help families learn how to care for them, and to offer encouragement to continue taking on new adventures. 

What are your standout memories from those early days?

It was wonderful when Mike completed his around the world challenge in a specially modified car in 2001. We also introduced Christopher Reeve to Back Up – he was a huge supporter of finding a cure for people with spinal injuries, and his foundation partnered with Back Up to support Mike’s trip and later his virtual around the world challenge in 2021. 

What impact do you feel Back Up has had on people affected by spinal cord injury?

Most importantly, Back Up offers support and a strong sense of community to help people rebuild their independence. 

What are you most proud of from your involvement?

To have been there from the very beginning, and most importantly to see the incredible work continue to this day. 

What are your hopes for Back Up’s future as we mark 40 years?

I hope Back Up will continue its vision to be there for people with spinal injuries, helping them regain confidence, transform their lives, and support the loved ones around them. 

There is also so much innovation happening in spinal injury research today. I hope we will see progress in this space as well as enhanced experiences for people living with spinal cord injuries.

Join the celebrations 

Throughout 2026, we’ll be reflecting on our story and the people who made Back Up what it is today.

You can be part of it too: