Just over four thousand people every year sustain a spinal cord injury in the UK. That’s the equivalent of one every two hours. There are around a hundred and five thousand people living with a spinal cord injury in the UK. Due to the alarming extent of the issue, every April we mark Paralysed Veterans Awareness month. This is a US led awareness campaign run by the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). They aim to raise awareness of the issues veterans face when living with spinal cord injuries and paralysis.
Between 2001 and 2014, at least 44 UK armed forces personnel were medically discharged with spinal injuries, including at least 12 left paralysed. This means that there is a serious problem with many armed personnel coming back with severe injuries which have led them to develop many disabilities following armed combat. The rate is regularly increasing and due to this, more events and schemes need to be run to help improve the general public’s knowledge of what support people who develop spinal cord injuries might need.
There have been many notable conflicts in recent years which have helped to contribute to the rising levels of people who develop any form of spinal cord injury. This includes battles in areas such as Iraq and Afghanistan. There has been an increase of eleven percent of combat or battle field injuries which mean that the rate at which people develop paralysis is widening too.
Real-life case studies illustrating impact:
• A British Army officer (Harry) was left paralysed after a 100-foot fall during Special Forces selection, severing his spinal cord and breaking his neck; he has described how paralysis affects multiple bodily systems and can involve extended periods confined to bed due to complications such as pressure sores.
Veteran Ian Westmoreland, paralysed from the waist down after a cycling accident, said the transition to disability was “far, far harder” than leaving the army.
A soldier named George, paralysed from the chest down after breaking his spine, has worked to rebuild independence with support from the Army Benevolent Fund.
There have been lots of adaptive sport programmes which help to aid the recovery of anyone who is unlucky enough to sustain a spinal cord injury. These kinds of programmes help to strengthen muscles as well as build awareness and reaction times which help post war veterans settle back in to every day life.
Financial and practical impact:
• Many veterans with severe injuries cannot return to previous employment and may rely on compensation or benefits
(source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/armed-forces-compensation-scheme-afcs)
• The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme provides tax-free lump sums and ongoing payments depending on injury severity
(source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/armed-forces-compensation-scheme-afcs)
• Additional costs include home adaptations, specialist equipment and long-term care needs
(source: https://www.backuptrust.org.uk/support-for-you)
Support available in the UK:
• Help for Heroes (rehabilitation, mental health support, grants and welfare advice)
(source: https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/what-we-do/)
• NHS spinal cord injury services providing lifelong specialist care
(source: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/spinal-cord-injury-services-all-ages/)
• The Backup Trust offering peer mentoring and independent living support
(source: https://www.backuptrust.org.uk/)
• Spinal cord injuries often involve complex, lifelong health challenges beyond loss of mobility, alongside increased risk of mental health conditions such as PTSD among veterans
(source: https://combatstress.org.uk/new-research-reveals-higher-rate-ptsd-among-veterans)
Veteran Support & Wellbeing Events
Community Wellbeing Session: Veterans in Sefton
Date & Time: Friday, 27 March 2026 at 09:30
Location: Sefton Support Group, 1, Duke Street, Formby, Liverpool, GB
Type: Community Workshop
Description: A dedicated session to support the physical, psychological, and social well-being of local veterans.
Cost: Free (hosted by a non-profit)
Sponsored 200 Miles for Memorial Garden
Date & Time: Monday, 30 March 2026 at 09:00
Location: The Reeva Programme CIC, 822 Atherton Road, Wigan, GB
Type: Fundraising Challenge
Description: A fitness challenge to raise funds for a Veterans Memorial Garden, designed as a sanctuary for veterans and their families.
Mobility & Health Awareness
Ride to Southport 2026 (Spinal Injuries Association)
Date & Time: Sunday, 26 April 2026 at 07:30
Location: New Longton Sports & Social Club, Chapel Lane, Preston, GB
Type: Charity Bike Ride
Description: A 50-mile ride raising funds for the Spinal Injuries Association, directly supporting those with paralysis.
Cost: £20
Inspiring Men from Liverpool’s Past History Walking Tour
Date & Time: Monthly throughout April (Check specific dates)
Location: Liverpool Cathedral, St James’ Mount, Liverpool, GB
Type: Guided Tour / Fundraiser
Description: A tour highlighting local men who overcame historical challenges; proceeds support Sean’s Place, a men’s mental health charity.
Cost: £23
Community Service & Advocacy
60 Minute Heroes Weekender!
Date & Time: Saturday, 11 April 2026 at 11:00 (Recurring)
Location: Rimrose Valley Country Park, 29 Parklands Way, Liverpool, GB
Type: Volunteering
Description: A community action event focused on local environmental maintenance and social engagement.
