Christmas Appeal – Layla’s story
By supporting our Christmas Appeal, you can help us provide our vital work. Read Layla’s story and how Back Up were there for her.
“A brighter Christmas ahead” – by Layla
Last Christmas, while my friends were at home celebrating with their families, I was in Great Ormond Street Hospital, trying to come to terms with a spinal cord injury that had changed everything.
Everything I’d once taken for granted – my independence, my confidence – was suddenly in question. I remember thinking: “I have no idea what’s happened to me, or what my future holds.”
I’d already been through treatment for leukaemia, but now I faced another challenge – something that affected every part of my life.
That’s when I found Back Up.
Back Up showed me that I wasn’t alone – and that life after spinal cord injury could still be full of possibility.
The biggest turning point for me came on the Lake District multi-activity course. I was keen to meet other wheelchair users my age and see how far I could push myself. I didn’t know what to expect, but I was blown away by how friendly everyone was and how much fun we had.
By the end of the week, I’d been down a zip wire, out on a paddle board, and even learned to do back-wheel balances in my wheelchair!
That week showed me what I was capable of. It gave me back the confidence I thought I’d lost – and reminded me that my life was still full of exciting opportunities.
This Christmas will be completely different. The fear I felt last year has been replaced with belief – belief in myself, and in my future.
I’m looking forward to being at home with my family, surrounded by the care and support of the Back Up community – including so many amazing people who’ve helped me along the way.
Next year, I’ll be working hard towards my GCSEs in 2026, after missing two years of school. It feels like a big challenge, but I know now that I can face it.
Going into Christmas this year the future is brighter. I’m looking forward to a Christmas at home with no drama.
My life has been transformed thanks to Back Up – and to the kindness of people who choose to support their work.
But this December, around 400 more people will sustain a spinal cord injury. Many of them will be facing the hardest Christmas of their lives, just like I was last year.
Your gift could help someone like me rebuild their life – and believe in what’s possible again.
