2023 marks the charity’s 10th anniversary year, and to celebrate this milestone they are hoping to raise an additional £100,000 to support their ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life and wellbeing of people living with spinal cord injury (SCI).

“It’s now 10 years since we pledged to put quality of life at the centre of our research efforts.” explains Derek Cutler, Research Manager, at SMSR. “Since then, we have committed close to £1 million to finding treatments and practical solutions to the major complications of spinal cord injury, including pressure ulcers, pain, urinary tract infections, and upper limb function.  

“This year, with the help of businesses in our local community, we’re aiming to raise an additional £100,000 to kickstart the next decade of research, so we can fund even more breakthroughs in the prevention and treatment of secondary complications to improve quality of life for people living with spinal cord injury.

"Put simply, if 100 businesses or individuals took on the fundraising challenge to raise £1,000 (or more) across the year, we’ll have reached our fundraising target by the end of 2023.”

Did you know:

• A spinal cord injury can happen to anyone at any time.
• Every 4 hours, someone in the UK suffers a spinal cord injury.
• Currently, 50,000 people in the UK are living with spinal cord injury.
• Treatment for common conditions associated with spinal cord injury costs the NHS millions of pounds each day to treat (for example, urinary tract infections cost approximately £1 million per day, while pressure ulcers cost around £3.8 million per day).
• Back in 2013, Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research launched their Priority Setting Partnership, which brought together people with SCI and people who care for them to discuss what research would be most beneficial to them. These priorities still guide their research today. 

Kate Favell, SMSR Corporate & Community Fundraiser, comments: “Every penny really does count, so any amount raised would be absolutely fantastic, however small. In the past, we’ve had supporters getting up to all sorts of fundraising activities such as organising car washes, wine tasting, sponsored litter picks, murder mystery events, dress down days, coffee and cake sales, and sweepstakes. We’ve plenty more fundraising ideas, so please get in touch for inspiration.

“An alternative way to support us would be to donate a set amount per month throughout 2023, or simply make a one-off donation.”

Why become an Anniversary Ambassador?

• Your business listed on SMSR’s website along with logo and company bio
• Welcome on-board publicity via their social media platforms
• Use of their 10th anniversary logo on your website and email headers
• Invitations to join networking events at the National Spinal Injuries Centre (NSIC) and SMSR research webinars
• Spotlight on your business on their website and in SMSR newsletters
• Opportunity to run bespoke fundraising events for employee engagement (e.g. Wheels at Work day or SMSR Virtual Quizzes)
• Your business acknowledged on all SMSR presentations delivered at conferences, community group talks, etc.
• Motivational visit/workshop/teambuilder from an SMSR Charity Ambassador to give an insight into living with spinal cord injury
• Your logo on specially designed pop-up banners to be displayed in the NSIC and at events attended by SMSR
• Enjoy fundraising and PR support to help with your fundraising journey

'Hard to lead the life I'd like to live'

The anniversary year campaign is backed by SMSR Charity Ambassador Sophie Shane, who, whilst on holiday in Malta in 2017, suffered a rare spinal cord stroke injuring her spine.

Sophie says: “You may not realise, but when it comes to spinal cord injury, not being able to walk is just the tip of the iceberg. I’m also plagued with urinary tract infections and neuropathic pain, which really does make it hard to lead the life I’d like to live.

“This year, Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and we’re asking for support in raising £100,000. This money can significantly change my quality of life, and that of others like me. Thank you so much.”

Learn how to get involved

To learn more about how you can get involved in supporting Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research in their 10th anniversary year as a business or individual, please visit: https://www.lifeafterparalysis.com/10years

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