I'm hosting a Garden Fish and Chip Supper with all donations from the dinner for SIA, on Friday 25 June 2022. A charity close to my heart for family reasons and due to my work with spinal cord injured people over many years.  

Background - Conceived on the back of the experiences of SIA staff and their time spent rehabilitating in Stoke Mandeville Spinal Unit (and their many outings to the local pub for a Friday dinner treat!) Fish and Chip Suppers have been running for over 10 years.

What is Spinal Cord Injury?  Imagine being told that you will never walk again…every four hours someone in the UK receives this devastating news. Spinal cord injury (SCI) could happen to any of us, at any time, as a result of an accident or illness. Paralysis limits mobility, affects bowel, bladder and sexual function and for high level injuries can result in ventilator dependency. Without the right support, spinal cord injured people are vulnerable to social isolation and depression, as well as life-threatening risks to their health caused by inappropriate or inadequate care. 

Who are the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA)?  The Spinal Injuries Association is the leading national charity that exists to help people with spinal cord injuries on their unique journey towards leading an independent and fulfilled life, advising and supporting them and their families and educating, advocating and campaigning on their behalf. For almost 50 years they have been the only source of information and advice for many SCI people. Through their Support Network they provide crucial peer support, clinical advocacy and advice, connecting the 50,000 plus people living with SCI in the UK with the experts they need. These experts help SCI people adapt to life with a permanent disability and overcome social, clinical, psychological and economic barriers to a fulfilled life.

Life after Injury - Martin’s Story - Martin Hibbert was tragically caught up in the events of the 2017 Manchester Arena Bombing, with his daughter Eve and himself being the closest people to the bomber to survive.  Amongst 22 shrapnel injuries, Martin sustained a T-10 complete spinal injury, leaving him paralysed from the waist down. The fantastic care that Martin received in hospital, and the support from SIA’s Support Network Officer, Gary, and our Nurse Specialist, Carol has been crucial in Martin’s recovery helping him to live a fulfilled life again. 

Martin has since gone on to become a trustee for the Spinal Injuries Association, helping us to fight for quality and equality of life for every spinal cord injured person. Later this year Martin will be climbing Kilimanjaro in a specially adapted hand bike, with the aim of raising £1million for SIA. 

Last word from me - Please donate to my page, and help me #FryAndMakeADifference for SCI people and their families.  You will be treated to fish n chips, pud and drinks. The suggested donation for the meal is £20 per person. For those who have said they plan to come for pud or drinks, the suggested donation is £5 - £10.  Please add gift aid where possible.  Please don't forget items for the silent auction. Winning auction bids are not eligible for gift aid so please pay these separately after the event if you are a winner.                                All donations however large or small gratefully received, thank you.