The Back Up and Thriving Accessible Travel Podcast

What does freedom look like when you redefine what is possible after spinal cord injury?In this episode of Back Up and Thriving, Sophie Elwes is joined by Nathalie McGloin, the first female tetraplegic racing driver in the world and President of the FIA Disability and Accessibility Commission. Nathalie shares her journey from sustaining a complete C6–7 spinal cord injury at 16 to becoming a licensed racing driver and international leader in motorsport accessibility.Nathalie reflects on spending 11 months in hospital, returning to school and university, and how wheelchair rugby shaped her confidence, resilience and independence. She speaks candidly about learning to drive with extensive hand controls, the emotional impact of driving independently, and how mobility opened up travel and opportunity.Travel, movement and access are central to Nathalie’s story. She discusses driving as a form of freedom, navigating cities, long journeys, and racing circuits, and how preparation, health management and peer support underpin independence. Nathalie also shares insights into founding Spinal Track, creating access to motorsport for disabled people, and using lived experience to drive systemic change.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow driving and travel support independence after spinal cord injuryWhy peer support builds confidence and ambitionWhat it takes to race safely with a spinal injuryHow Nathalie uses her platform to improve accessibility in motorsportPractical advice for living well and travelling with a spinal cord injuryKey Moments:00:02 - Nathalie McGloin introduces her story03:38 - Peer support and early independence06:21 - Understanding her spinal injury08:21 - Learning to drive after injury13:23 - What driving independence means16:23 - Favourite places to drive and travel18:01 - Motability and vehicle adaptations19:42 - Discovering track driving26:03 - Getting a racing licence31:12 - Confidence, setbacks and progress38:13 - Racing wins and career highlights41:19 - Leading the FIA Disability and Accessibility Commission48:03 - Founding Spinal Track58:42 - How Spinal Track works1:00:39 - Safety and exiting a race car1:02:49 - Advice to her younger self1:04:19 - Living well with a spinal cord injury🌍 Ready to plan your next adventure with confidence?If you’re looking for accessible travel advice or want to connect with someone who’s been there, Back Up is here to help.Reach out to the team and get the support you need to travel confidently today:👉 www.backuptrust.org.uk/support-for-you/back-up-and-thriving-accessible-travel-toolkitCredits:This episode was hosted by Sophie Elwes, Head of Services at Back Up and produced by Phonic Content.Back Up is a national charity for everyone affected by spinal cord injury. Join us on Instagram, Facebook, X and Linkedin. 

How do you rebuild your life after a career-ending accident — and find joy again in travel, creativity and independence?In this powerful episode of Back Up and Thriving, host Sophie Elwes speaks with David Holmes, a former British gymnast and stuntman whose career on the Harry Potter films changed forever after a devastating on-set accident left him a tetraplegic.David opens up about his incredible journey from the film industry to becoming a passionate advocate for disability awareness, accessibility and resilience. He shares the lessons behind his HBO documentary and book, revealing how he’s learned to adapt, travel the world, and live with purpose.From practical travel hacks to emotional truths about recovery and self-acceptance, David’s story is raw, insightful and deeply inspiring. He discusses everything from navigating airports and accessible vehicles to maintaining verbal independence and using consumer power to drive accessibility change.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow David rebuilt his life after a spinal cord injuryStrategies for travelling confidently with a disabilityThe importance of communication, preparation and independenceWhy adaptability and creativity are key to living wellHow to “vote with your wallet” and push for inclusionKey Moments:00:36 - From gymnast to Hollywood stuntman 02:29 - The accident that changed everything 05:05 - Lessons from trauma and resilience 06:51 - Adapting creatively to life with a disability 09:56 - Travel hacks and preparation strategies 16:04 - Navigating airports and airlines 17:32 - Overcoming travel fears post-injury 19:26 - Independence through driving and road trips 23:32 - Favourite travel adventures around the world 26:18 - Travelling with a partner and care team 29:49 - Don’t be a victim: mindset and self-belief 31:05 - Communicating care needs and verbal independence 34:35 - Voting with your wallet for accessibility 37:23 - Working with caregivers and planning for care 42:04 - Taking risks and creative expression 43:04 - Message to his newly injured self 45:38 - Connection to Back Up and community 48:55 - Advice on living well with a spinal cord injury🌍 Ready to plan your next adventure with confidence?If you’re looking for accessible travel advice or want to connect with someone who’s been there, Back Up is here to help.Reach out to the team and get the support you need to travel confidently today:👉 www.backuptrust.org.uk/support-for-you/back-up-and-thriving-accessible-travel-toolkitThese resources are proudly supported by the Motability Foundation.Credits:This episode was hosted by Sophie Elwes, Head of Services at Back Up and produced by Phonic Content.Back Up is a national charity for everyone affected by spinal cord injury. Join us on Instagram, Facebook, X and Linkedin. 

What does it take to rebuild your life after a spinal cord injury while pursuing a career in medicine?In this episode of Back Up and Thriving, Sophie Elwes speaks with junior doctor and disability advocate Grace Spence Green, who sustained a spinal injury in 2018 while at medical school. Grace shares her remarkable journey of returning to medical studies as a wheelchair user, becoming a trustee at Back Up, and her mission to improve disability representation in healthcare and society.She reflects on navigating the media spotlight, the importance of visibility, and the value of community support. Grace also opens up about radical acceptance, self-compassion, and how travel has shaped her perspective — from her first daunting trip to Venice to recent adventures in Georgia and Azerbaijan.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Grace returned to medical school after her injury and the challenges she facedThe role of visibility and representation for disabled people in healthcare and societyPractical travel tips and confidence-building advice for wheelchair usersWhy community and peer support are vital for recovery and identityThe philosophy of radical acceptance and how to apply it to daily lifeKey Moments:00:00 - Introduction to Grace Spence Green 02:39 - The accident and early rehab journey 05:34 - Returning to medical school as a wheelchair user 08:39 - Media coverage and taking back her story 11:39 - Training as a doctor and career in paediatrics 14:29 - Building confidence and taking space 16:43 - First post-injury travel experiences 19:54 - Accessibility, travel hacks and learning balance 23:06 - Favourite trips and solo travel 25:44 - Advice for newly injured travellers 27:47 - The role of social media and community 30:16 - Challenging misconceptions about disability 32:54 - Radical acceptance and unpicking ableism 35:19 - Gratitude, resilience and new perspectives 38:59 - Independence, care and dignity 40:36 - Grace’s future plans and next steps 41:59 - Final advice on living well with spinal cord injury🌍 Ready to plan your next adventure with confidence?If you’re looking for accessible travel advice or want to connect with someone who’s been there, Back Up is here to help.Reach out to the team and get the support you need to travel confidently today:👉 www.backuptrust.org.uk/support-for-you/back-up-and-thriving-accessible-travel-toolkitThese resources are proudly supported by the Motability Foundation.Credits:This episode was hosted by Sophie Elwes, Head of Services at Back Up and produced by Phonic Content.Back Up is a national charity for everyone affected by spinal cord injury. Join us on Instagram, Facebook, X and Linkedin. 

What happens when you refuse the story you are told about disability and choose to write your own?In this episode of Back Up and Thriving, Sophie Elwes speaks with Kyla Harris, actor, producer, writer and co creator of the BBC series We Might Regret This. Kyla shares her experience of sustaining a spinal cord injury at 15 and the long process of rebuilding identity in a world with limited disabled role models.Kyla speaks openly about internalised ableism, medical pessimism, and how community helped transform her understanding of self worth. She reflects on her journey into filmmaking and the responsibility of TV and film to shape honest disability representation.Travel is a central theme. Kyla discusses her first trip after injury, extensive travel across Europe, Central America and North Africa, and the practical realities of travelling as a disabled person. Her advice is direct, grounded and shaped by decades of lived experience.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow internalised ableism shapes confidence after spinal cord injuryWhy disability representation in media mattersPractical travel advice for disabled peopleHow to communicate needs clearly when travellingWhy community is essential for living well with disabilityKey Moments:00:01 - Meeting Kyla Harris02:12 - Life before and after spinal injury03:42 - Medical perspectives and early challenges08:24 - Understanding internalised ableism12:36 - From acting to filmmaking17:45 - Disability representation in TV and film22:33 - First trip after spinal injury29:28 - Travelling the world as a disabled person34:45 - Travel preparation and communication36:37 - Advice for newly injured travellers42:40 - Community and living well with disability🌍 Ready to plan your next adventure with confidence?If you’re looking for accessible travel advice or want to connect with someone who’s been there, Back Up is here to help.Reach out to the team and get the support you need to travel confidently today:👉 www.backuptrust.org.uk/support-for-you/back-up-and-thriving-accessible-travel-toolkitThese resources are proudly supported by the Motability Foundation.Credits:This episode was hosted by Sophie Elwes, Head of Services at Back Up and produced by Phonic Content.Back Up is a national charity for everyone affected by spinal cord injury. Join us on Instagram, Facebook, X and Linkedin. 

What helps you rebuild confidence, identity and freedom after a spinal cord injury?In this episode of Back Up and Thriving, Sophie Elwes is joined by Clair Pollard, who’s a Clinical Psychologist and paraplegic who sustained her spinal injury in 1999 while travelling in Africa. Clair shares how discovering Back Up shortly after leaving hospital changed the direction of her life and reshaped her belief in what was still possible.Clair reflects on her first multi activity course in the Lake District, the power of peer support, and how it became central to her recovery and long term wellbeing. She also discusses the growth of Back Up from a small charity into a national organisation supporting people with spinal cord injuries and their families and shares the evolution of the family support service and mentoring service - which she helped pioneer alongside another Clinical Psychologist in 2005.Travel plays a major role in Clair’s story. She speaks candidly about navigating the world as a wheelchair user, accepting help when needed, managing setbacks, and building confidence through experience. Her perspective is practical, honest and grounded in decades of lived experience.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow peer support and mentoring support long term recoveryWhy travel remains possible after spinal cord injury with planning and confidenceHow to balance independence with accepting help when travellingThe emotional impact of injury on family members and why their wellbeing mattersPractical advice for newly injured people considering travelKey Moments:00:00 - Clair Pollard introduces her journey02:05 - Discovering Back Up after spinal injury04:45 - The Lake District course that changed everything07:29 - Returning to work and rebuilding confidence10:09 - Peer support and mentoring at Back Up14:56 - Why mentoring works so powerfully19:12 - Travelling the world as a wheelchair user22:54 - Losing spontaneity and learning to plan travel26:19 - Asking for help and verbal independence29:38 - Advice for newly injured travellers33:38 - Travel hacks and flying with a wheelchair37:19 - What Clair would tell her newly injured self38:50 - Living well with a spinal cord injury41:36 - Supporting family members after injury43:11 - Final reflections on purpose and gratitude🌍 Ready to plan your next adventure with confidence?If you’re looking for accessible travel advice or want to connect with someone who’s been there, Back Up is here to help.Reach out to the team and get the support you need to travel confidently today:👉 www.backuptrust.org.uk/support-for-you/back-up-and-thriving-accessible-travel-toolkitFind out more about:Mentoring: www.backuptrust.org.uk/support-for-you/mentoringThe Back Up Lounge: www.backuptrust.org.uk/support-for-you/the-back-up-loungeFamily Support: www.backuptrust.org.uk/support-for-you/family-supportBack Up Courses: www.backuptrust.org.uk/support-for-you/life-changing-coursesThese resources are proudly supported by the Motability Foundation.Credits:This episode was hosted by Sophie Elwes, Head of Services at Back Up and produced by Phonic Content.Back Up is a national charity for everyone affected by spinal cord injury. Join us on Instagram, Facebook, X and Linkedin. 

What happens when a life-changing crash leads to a world-class comeback?In this inspiring episode of Back Up and Thriving, host Sophie Elwes speaks with Benjamin Pritchard, a Paralympic, World, and European rowing champion whose story proves that strength comes from adaptability.After a cycling accident in 2016 left him with a spinal cord injury, Benjamin faced one of life’s toughest challenges: learning to rebuild his independence and identity. From the early days at Stoke Mandeville Hospital to standing on the Paralympic podium, he opens up about the setbacks, breakthroughs and lessons that shaped his path.Benjamin also shares practical advice on travelling with a disability — from airline planning and accessible accommodation to the mindset that makes exploration possible. His honesty about the highs and lows of rehabilitation, sport, and travel offers encouragement for anyone navigating life after injury.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow Benjamin rebuilt his life and career after a spinal cord injuryThe mindset and routines that fuel Paralympic-level performanceTips for travelling confidently as a wheelchair userWhy accessibility begins with attitude, not infrastructureHow to live actively, adapt, and thrive after injuryKey Moments:01:00 - From cyclist to Paralympic rower 02:40 - The cycling crash that changed everything 04:30 - Rehabilitation and the road to acceptance 08:12 - Life after hospital and learning independence 11:47 - Family, friends and community support 18:05 - Discovering adaptive sport and rowing 22:36 - Training, trials and joining Team GB 29:15 - From rehabilitation to the Paralympic podium 35:04 - Inside the Paralympics: lessons and emotions 36:25 - Travelling as a wheelchair user 39:27 - Airline tips, accessibility and booking advice 44:43 - Facing fear, scuba diving and skiing after injury 49:51 - Advice for newly injured individuals 52:28 - The road to Los Angeles 2028 54:55 - Living well with a spinal cord injury🌍 Ready to plan your next adventure with confidence?If you’re looking for accessible travel advice or want to connect with someone who’s been there, Back Up is here to help.Reach out to the team and get the support you need to travel confidently today:👉 www.backuptrust.org.uk/support-for-you/back-up-and-thriving-accessible-travel-toolkitThese resources are proudly supported by the Motability Foundation.Credits:This episode was hosted by Sophie Elwes, Head of Services at Back Up and produced by Phonic Content.Back Up is a national charity for everyone affected by spinal cord injury. Join us on Instagram, Facebook, X and Linkedin. 

Welcome to the pilot episode of Back Up & Thriving, a podcast exploring accessible travel, real experiences, and practical support for people navigating life after spinal cord injury.In this short introduction, we share what this podcast is all about, who it’s for, and how Back Up supports people to travel with more confidence, independence, and clarity. Whether you’re thinking about your next trip or simply want to hear from people who understand the challenges and possibilities of accessible travel, this series is here to support you.👉 Explore the Accessible Travel Toolkit and get support to travel confidently: https://www.backuptrust.org.uk/support-for-you/back-up-and-thriving-accessible-travel-toolkitThese resources are gratefully supported and funded by the Motability Foundation.Credits:This episode was hosted by Sophie Elwes, Head of Services at Back Up and produced by Phonic Content.Back Up is a national charity for everyone affected by spinal cord injury. Join us on Instagram, Facebook, X and Linkedin. 

In this episode of the Back Up and Thriving Accessible Travel Podcast, host Sophie Elwes interviews TV presenter, disability advocate, and artist Sophie Morgan about her journey and experiences travelling with a T5-6 complete spinal cord injury. The discussion covers the challenges and tips for flying with a disability, the importance of self-advocacy, and the impact of travel on a person's independence and confidence. Sophie Morgan shares personal anecdotes, valuable advice for newly injured individuals, and emphasises the importance of pushing boundaries and embracing adventures despite disabilities.Episode Highlights:01:34 Sophie’s Journey with Back Up16:02 Navigating Air Travel with a Disability24:49 Managing Long Flights: Tips and Tricks27:30 Essential Travel Hacks and Preparations30:08 Encouragement for New TravellersEpisode Links:Rights on FlightsBack Up CoursesBack Up MentoringCredits:This episode was hosted by Sophie Elwes, Head of Services at Back Up and produced by Phonic Content.Back Up is a national charity for everyone affected by spinal cord injury. Join us on Instagram, Facebook, X and Linkedin. 

In this episode of the Backup and Thriving Accessible Travel Podcast, host Sophie Elwes interviews Hannah, who sustained a C5 incomplete spinal cord injury in 2018, and her father, Darren. They share their experiences and insights into navigating life and travel with a spinal cord injury. Hannah discusses her journey from sustaining her injury as a trampoline gymnast to becoming a physiotherapist and a wheelchair rugby player, emphasising the importance of adaptability and independence. Darren provides a parent's perspective on the journey and highlights the significance of family support. They delve into the challenges and triumphs of driving, transferring, and travelling; offering valuable tips and advice for new drivers and travellers with a spinal cord injury.Episode Highlights:01:18 Hannah's Journey and Achievements10:59 Driving with a Spinal Cord Injury33:17 Tips and Tools for Accessible Travel40:05 Top Travel Memories and Final AdviceEpisode Links:Back Up coursesYouth Advisory Group (YAG)  Appy ParkingMotability SchemefuelServiceGoogle MapsCredits:This episode was hosted by Sophie Elwes at Back Up Trust and produced by Lucy Lucraft.Credits:This episode was hosted by Sophie Elwes, Head of Services at Back Up and produced by Phonic Content.Back Up is a national charity for everyone affected by spinal cord injury. Join us on Instagram, Facebook, X and Linkedin. 

In this episode of the Back Up and Thriving Accessible Travel Podcast, host Sophie Elwes interviews Pete Donnelly, who has lived with a T6 spinal cord injury for 18 years. They discuss Pete's journey with Back Up, his rehabilitation, mastering wheelchair skills, and his exceptional travel experiences globally. Pete shares valuable insights into overcoming internalized ableism and the societal barriers faced by people with disabilities. He also offers practical advice for living well with a spinal cord injury and his top travel tips to make life easier for wheelchair This conversation aims to inspire listeners to view travelling post-injury as not only possible but potentially life-changing.Episode Highlights:04:05 The Accident and Rehabilitation05:55 Facing Perceptions and Internalized Ableism09:59 Mastering Wheelchair Skills19:37 Navigating London with a Wheelchair25:12 Adventures Abroad: Traveling with a WheelchairEpisode Links:Back Up Wheelchair Skills AppBack Up CoursesTaking Flight Credits:This episode was hosted by Sophie Elwes, Head of Services at Back Up and produced by Phonic Content.Back Up is a national charity for everyone affected by spinal cord injury. Join us on Instagram, Facebook, X and Linkedin. 

In this episode of The Back Up and Thriving Accessible Travel Podcast, host Sophie Elwes interviews Merryn Thomas about her journey with a spinal cord injury sustained in 2009. The discussion touches on various travel experiences, focusing on public transport, living abroad, and the challenges and triumphs of navigating the world as a wheelchair user. Merryn shares valuable tips for newly injured individuals, emphasizing the importance of confidence, planning, and community support. From small victories in daily tasks to solo European train trips, this episode highlights resilience and the benefits of embracing new experiences despite disabilities, with some great advice about travelling by public transport as a person with a spinal cord injury.Episode Highlights:01:47 Guest Introduction: Merryn's Story06:20 Experiences with Public Transport11:19 Living Abroad with a Spinal Cord Injury16:49 Skills for Independence and Rehabilitation23:40 Travel Tips and Final ThoughtsEpisode Links:Back Up Wheelchair Skills AppBack Up CoursesBack Up MentoringCredits:This episode was hosted by Sophie Elwes, Head of Services at Back Up and produced by Phonic Content.Back Up is a national charity for everyone affected by spinal cord injury. Join us on Instagram, Facebook, X and Linkedin. 

In this episode of the The Back Up and Thriving Accessible Travel Podcast, actor George Robinson discusses his journey following a spinal cord injury sustained during a rugby trip in South Africa. He shares his experiences in the hospital and his involvement with Back Up, a pivotal support system during his recovery. George details his acting career, including his role as Isaac in 'Sex Education.' He reflects on the challenges and strategies of traveling with a disability, emphasising the importance of self-advocacy, preparation, and embracing life's unpredictabilities. The episode culminates with George's favourite travel memories and practical tips for living well with a spinal cord injury.Episode Highlights:01:05 George Robinson's Injury and Recovery Journey05:27 Acting Career and Sex Education08:57 Navigating Train Travel with a Disability29:27 Dealing with Travel Setbacks32:59 Top Travel Memories35:48 Living Well with a Spinal Cord InjuryEpisode Links:Sex Education on NetflixBack Up coursesBack Up Wheelchair Skills AppTFL Go appCredits:This episode was hosted by Sophie Elwes, Head of Services at Back Up and produced by Phonic Content.Back Up is a national charity for everyone affected by spinal cord injury. Join us on Instagram, Facebook, X and Linkedin. 

The Back Up and Thriving Accessible Travel Podcast is hosted by Sophie Elwes, Head of Services at Back Up. She sustained a T4 spinal cord injury back in 2011. Over this series she'll be interviewing a range of guests who are all affected by spinal cord injury and each episode will look at a different mode of transport. Guests to come include George Robinson who stars in Netflix's Sex Education, Merryn Thomas, Pete Donnelly, Hannah and Darren Bucys as well as TV Presenter Sophie Morgan. Guests will be sharing their stories, their travel experiences as well as some fabulous advice. Back Up's hope is that listeners will realise that travelling after spinal cord injury is not only possible, but that it can be life changing too.  Credits:This episode was hosted by Sophie Elwes, Head of Services at Back Up and produced by Phonic Content.Back Up is a national charity for everyone affected by spinal cord injury. Join us on Instagram, Facebook, X and Linkedin.