The Back Up and Thriving Accessible Travel Podcast
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.
The Back Up and Thriving Accessible Travel Podcast
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 injury
- The mindset and routines that fuel Paralympic-level performance
- Tips for travelling confidently as a wheelchair user
- Why accessibility begins with attitude, not infrastructure
- How 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.