Firstly thank you so much for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. 

Follow my blog to keep up to see how I got on with my Wheelchair Challenge and how my training is going for the half marathon! https://pursuingphysiotherapy.wordpress.com/

In June I challenged myself to spend a week in the shoes of someone who's suffered a spinal injury and has had to adapt to a lifestyle far different to one I am used to being a keen runner and sailor, studying a physiotherapy masters. I spent the start of June in a wheelchair, proceeding with my life as normal and blogging about all my experiences along the way (as well as wearing my bright orange BackUp t-shirt!) and hopefully raising lots of awareness and money as I go. Despite huge advances being made in the UK for wheelchair users, there is still a long way to go in terms of free easy access and I hope to raise money to help Back Up carry on making leaps and bounds in this area.

In October of this year I will be running the Birmingham half marathon.. still sounds weird saying it! It will be hard, not only in the build up trying to motivate myself to run in whatever wonderful weather Bham throws at me after a long day at uni or on placement, but also on those last few miles on race day. I do have a good reason for doing this though (promise!) which is firstly to challenge myself to do something I didn't think was possible after a bad ankle injury a few years back but MUCH more importantly, to raise money for a little charity close to my heart that makes a huge difference.

BackUp are a truly incredible dynamic charity who understand just how devestating a spinal injury can be, but believe that this shouldn't prevent anyone getting the most from life. Every 8 hours somebody is told they have a spinal injury and their life is changed forever.. it could be anyone, at any time. It is as simple as tripping at the top of a staircase. I am only in my early 20's and know 3 people close to me who have had this news delivered to them... it really could be anyone.

Through passion, quality and excellence, Back Up transform lives, rebuild confidence and help people realise their true potential. I have been a buddy on the courses BackUp run for 3 years now and I can't put into words the look on a participants face when they are able to do something as simple as transferring into a car for the first time since their injury. There is nothing like it! 

BackUp is only a small charity and so EVERY donation makes a difference. 

£15 helps instigate a child getting back to school post injury. £25 provides a space on a wheelchair skills course. £50 gives an opportunity to somebody to be a participant on one of the courses. So far nobody has had to be turned away from a course, but this is only the case because of generous donations.

Any donations given mean so much to me and just think.. in the future it could be you or your loved one who needs that push to realise life can go on, and it can be great!

For more information on BackUp's work please visit;  http://www.backuptrust.org.uk/

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.