Back Up is an organisation that exists to transform the lives of everyone affected by spinal cord injury, through practical courses, a mentoring network, and outdoor activities such as rock climbing, kayaking, and skiing! Their approach helps individuals to build confidence after injury, while also challenging restrictive perceptions of disability.

This summer I will be volunteering on one of Back Up's courses as a Buddy. I will be working with young adults similar in age to me as they prepare to move away from home, go to university, or live independently - you can find out more here! https://www.backuptrust.org.uk/support-for-you/life-changing-courses/moving-forwards-18-25s

Rather than simply pay a contribution to cover the costs of me attending the course (easy), I decided that this was a really lovely opportunity to raise some awareness and see if we can raise even more funds for the organisation! (less easy)

Every extra £ will help in a huge variety of ways, but my personal favourites include;

• £15 can enable Back Up to advise and support teachers, pupils and families to ensure that a child with spinal cord injury is fully included in all aspects of normal education
• £25 can enable Back Up to offer vital emotional support and advice to a child in hospital and their family while they are coming to terms with a life changing spinal cord injury
• £150 can help pay for someone to attend our Back Up to Work course, where they would receive advice and develop the confidence they need to get back to work after their injury

Of course, you are more than welcome (and actively encouraged) to donate purely out of the goodness of your heart, however, I will also be organising a number of fun and tasty events to motivate you as well. Plans so far include;