Seventh year of support for Spinal Injuries Scotland accessible Summer BBQ and Activities Day
We were proud to welcome wheelchair users from across Scotland to Castle Semple last week for the 2023 Spinal Injuries Scotland summer barbecue and activities day.
More than 100 people attended the event at Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, Renfrewshire on Wednesday 21 June where survivors of spinal cord injuries had the opportunity to take part in adventure sports like hand-biking, kayaking, sailing and power-boating.
Maureen Morrison, Chief Executive Officer of Spinal Injuries Scotland, said: “For a lot of the patients and members within the Unit this is probably the first time they’ve actually met another person that’s in a wheelchair outside of hospital.
“Sometimes the patients have been in the Unit for over a year, so for them to take part in an activity with their friends and family where they actually feel there are no barriers is really important.”
The day not only provides people with spinal cord injuries a chance to engage in physical activities but also serves as a supportive community where members, patients, family and friends can share experiences and build lasting connections while enjoying the barbecue, music and games.
The event also saw the participation of Women's players from St Mirren Football Club – (left to right) Sarah Nichol, Kirsty Ross and Francesca Blair - who volunteered their time to learn more about the inspiring day.
Francesca said:
“I just think it’s an amazing opportunity for people and it’s great for us as well to come and see it and be a part of it. I think it’s fabulous.”
Kirsty agreed, saying:
“It’s been a real privilege to be invited along. We’ve been speaking to a few people and it’s nice to hear their stories and learn a bit more about what you guys are doing down here, it’s really exciting.”
Sarah added:
“To see people outside of the Unit doing these events, socialising, being part of a community, it’s really nice to be invited and see everyone having a good time.”
Jon Hasler, Team Lead Physiotherapist at the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit, said: “The patients in the Spinal Unit benefit greatly from coming down and seeing what’s possible – it’s discovering your life again.”
John Reilly, Centre Officer for Sight Scotland Veterans, was delighted to attend the event for the first time after responding to a request for an accessible minibus.
He said: "We got a call on Friday afternoon at Sight Scotland Veterans to see if we could help supply one of our accessible buses.
“We adapted one of our buses to make sure it could support today’s event - which is absolutely fantastic.
"It was a no brainer for us, and it's been great to help."
Chris Stewart, Partner and Head of Digby Brown’s Serious Injury team, was proud to sponsor the day for the seventh year in a row.
Every day Chris and his team help survivors of spinal cord injuries so they have first-hand experience to understand the life-changing impacts these injuries can have – and why they are so passionate about organising life-affirming events like the Castle Semple barbecue.
He said: “When we came up with the idea for the barbecue the whole point was to encourage people to get outside and enjoy the weather, the environment, the option to get out on the boats and enjoy a nice burger as well!
“But there’s a more serious element to the day and that’s really to show people that there are no limits.
“There’s people here today that have not been out of the Unit since they had their accident, so this is a day to show what is possible after you’ve had a spinal cord injury.”
You can watch a video from the 2023 Spinal Injuries Scotland summer barbecue and activities day.
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