According to the World Health Organisation, a spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most devastating and life changing injuries a person can sustain.

I know this only too well as I sustained a SCI many years ago. However, I consider myself incredibly lucky as my spinal cord was not damaged completely and I have a great quality of life, despite the impairment I suffered because of the injury. I can walk with the aid of crutches and use my wheelchair, as needed. Not everyone who suffers a SCI is as fortunate and the impact is very often catastrophic and life-changing for those injured and their loved-ones.

Over twenty years ago a group of former patients of the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) came together to articulate the shared experience of living with SCI, and to determine how we could collectively support each other to improve our experience of living with a spinal cord injury. From these conversations, Spinal Injuries Ireland (SII) was formed, and I was a founding member. SII has become a vital support and network for those living with a spinal injury and their families and continues to lobby for better services and facilities for the SCI community. Spinal Injuries Ireland has evolved over the years but the mission and purpose of SII remains, understandably, very close to my heart.

I have continued my involvement with SII and for the past number of years and more recently have volunteered as a peer mentor. In this capacity, along with other volunteer mentors, we meet with patients at the NRH and share our experience of returning to a new life, post rehabilitation. It’s hoped that our insights can encourage them to see beyond the obstacles and difficulties and see it is possible to live a full life with a disability. This is one of many services run by SII, crucial in offering information, advice, and practical support.

The Irish Government provides funding for 40% of the services provided by SII. The remaining 60% of services are financed through voluntary fundraising. The past number of years have been very difficult for all charities as fund raising opportunities have been limited due to COVID. To assist the SII with their fundraising efforts, I am taking part in the 2022 Tall Ship Challenge, a vital fundraising initiative to help finance services of the SII. This year's Tall Ship Challenge will consist of sailing the SV Tenacious, a purpose-built ship suitable for wheelchair users, from Poole to Dublin (via Northern France, where hopefully we will dock) under the guidance of the ship’s Captain. The 36-person crew will comprise up to 16 members with a spinal cord injury, 6 of whom will be wheelchair users, and a further 20 crew members from  from all backgrounds and abilities. All crew members will share full duties on board: steering, night watch, cleaning the ship, assisting the cook, serving meals, and cleaning the kitchen.

I am fortunate to have been offered a place as a crew member on this challenge of a lifetime. To take part in the voyage, each member must raise a minimum of €4,000 and all monies raised from this initiative will go directly to SII. I hope you can help me by pledging your support and know that these vital funds will help SII provide essential front-line services to people who have sustained a life changing spinal cord injury.

Thank you for your support.

Derry