The Back Up and Thriving Accessible Travel Podcast

Sophie Elwes - Back Up
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Welcome to the podcast from Back Up, the spinal cord injury charity.  We inspire people affected by spinal cord injury to get the most out of life. Back Up and Thriving is an accessible travel podcast about travelling with a spinal cord injury. Hosted by Back Up’s Head of Services, Sophie Elwes, who sustained a SCI herself in 2011. She interviews a range of guests, all of whom have a spinal cord injury and have experienced Back Up's life-changing services.

  1. Nathalie McGloin on Racing, Travel and Independence After Spinal Cord Injury

    FEB 10

    Nathalie McGloin on Racing, Travel and Independence After Spinal Cord Injury

    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 Episode How 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 injury Key Moments: 00:02 - Nathalie McGloin introduces her story 03:38 - Peer support and early independence 06:21 - Understanding her spinal injury 08:21 - Learning to drive after injury 13:23 - What driving independence means 16:23 - Favourite places to drive and travel 18:01 - Motability and vehicle adaptations 19:42 - Discovering track driving 26:03 - Getting a racing licence 31:12 - Confidence, setbacks and progress 38:13 - Racing wins and career highlights 41:19 - Leading the FIA Disability and Accessibility Commission 48:03 - Founding Spinal Track 58:42 - How Spinal Track works 1:00:39 - Safety and exiting a race car 1:02:49 - Advice to her younger self 1:04:19 - 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-toolkit 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.

    54 min
  2. From Harry Potter Stuntman to Disability Advocate with David Holmes

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    From Harry Potter Stuntman to Disability Advocate with David Holmes

    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 Episode How 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 inclusion Key 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-toolkit These 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.

    41 min
  3. Grace Spence Green on Life, Medicine and Travel After Spinal Cord Injury

    JAN 27

    Grace Spence Green on Life, Medicine and Travel After Spinal Cord Injury

    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 life Key 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-toolkit These 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.

    42 min
  4. Life After Spinal Cord Injury: Resilience, Communication While Travelling, and Realising Our Value with Kyla Harris

    JAN 20

    Life After Spinal Cord Injury: Resilience, Communication While Travelling, and Realising Our Value with Kyla Harris

    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 Episode How 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 disability Key Moments: 00:01 - Meeting Kyla Harris 02:12 - Life before and after spinal injury 03:42 - Medical perspectives and early challenges 08:24 - Understanding internalised ableism 12:36 - From acting to filmmaking 17:45 - Disability representation in TV and film 22:33 - First trip after spinal injury 29:28 - Travelling the world as a disabled person 34:45 - Travel preparation and communication 36:37 - Advice for newly injured travellers 42:40 - 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-toolkit These 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.

    33 min
  5. Life after Spinal Cord Injury: Why Family Support Matters, Accepting Help to Travel and Peer Support with Clair Pollard

    JAN 6

    Life after Spinal Cord Injury: Why Family Support Matters, Accepting Help to Travel and Peer Support with Clair Pollard

    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 Episode How 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 travel Key Moments: 00:00 - Clair Pollard introduces her journey 02:05 - Discovering Back Up after spinal injury 04:45 - The Lake District course that changed everything 07:29 - Returning to work and rebuilding confidence 10:09 - Peer support and mentoring at Back Up 14:56 - Why mentoring works so powerfully 19:12 - Travelling the world as a wheelchair user 22:54 - Losing spontaneity and learning to plan travel 26:19 - Asking for help and verbal independence 29:38 - Advice for newly injured travellers 33:38 - Travel hacks and flying with a wheelchair 37:19 - What Clair would tell her newly injured self 38:50 - Living well with a spinal cord injury 41:36 - Supporting family members after injury 43:11 - 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-toolkit Find out more about: Mentoring: www.backuptrust.org.uk/support-for-you/mentoring The Back Up Lounge: www.backuptrust.org.uk/support-for-you/the-back-up-lounge Family Support: www.backuptrust.org.uk/support-for-you/family-support Back Up Courses: www.backuptrust.org.uk/support-for-you/life-changing-courses These 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.

    45 min
  6. Life after Spinal Cord Injury: Paralympic Gold, Mindset and Air Travel with Benjamin Pritchard

    JAN 6

    Life after Spinal Cord Injury: Paralympic Gold, Mindset and Air Travel with Benjamin Pritchard

    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 Episode How 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 injury Key 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-toolkit These 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.

    59 min

  7. JAN 6

    Back Up & Thriving: Accessible Travel Starts Here

    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-toolkit These 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.

    3 min

  8. 12/02/2024

    Travelling with a Spinal Cord Injury by Plane with Sophie Morgan

    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 Up 16:02 Navigating Air Travel with a Disability 24:49 Managing Long Flights: Tips and Tricks 27:30 Essential Travel Hacks and Preparations 30:08 Encouragement for New Travellers Episode 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.

    46 min
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Welcome to the podcast from Back Up, the spinal cord injury charity.  We inspire people affected by spinal cord injury to get the most out of life. Back Up and Thriving is an accessible travel podcast about travelling with a spinal cord injury. Hosted by Back Up’s Head of Services, Sophie Elwes, who sustained a SCI herself in 2011. She interviews a range of guests, all of whom have a spinal cord injury and have experienced Back Up's life-changing services.

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