Record turnout marks another successful Summer BBQ and Activities Day for spinal injury survivors

We were proud to welcome wheelchair users from across Scotland to Castle Semple last week for the 2025 Spinal Injuries Scotland (SIS) Summer Barbecue and Activities Day.

Despite a gloomy start, the clouds gave way to sunshine just in time for the arrival of SIS members and patients from the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit.

More than 170 people attended the event at Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, Renfrewshire on Wednesday 25 June where survivors of spinal cord injuries had the opportunity to take part in adventure sports like hand-biking, kayaking, sailing and power-boating.

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The fun-filled event also marked the 65th anniversary of the charity whose mission is to achieve positive change so that people with a spinal cord injury can live their daily lives in a more equal environment.

Maureen Morrison, Chief Executive Officer of Spinal Injuries Scotland, said: “This year is particularly exciting for us as we celebrate the 65th anniversary of Spinal Injuries Scotland.

“Milestones like this really throw a spotlight on how far we’ve come in supporting people with a spinal cord injury and events like today show just how strong that support network has become.

“The number of people attending keeps growing each year, and that’s a real testament to the sense of community this day brings.”

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The day not only provides people with spinal cord injuries a chance to engage in physical activities but also serves as a welcoming space where people living with spinal cord injuries – along with their families, friends and carers – can come together to enjoy good food, music, games and most importantly, each other’s company.

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Kelsea Grant, Occupational Therapist at the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit, added: “It’s such a fantastic way for patients to try things they might never have imagined doing - or thought they were even capable of!

“It’s been lovely to see them build confidence and pick up new skills.”

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Chris Stewart, Partner and Head of Digby Brown’s Serious Injury team, was proud to sponsor the day as he and his team understand the life-changing impacts spinal cord injuries can have.

He said: “What we love about this event is that it gives patients from the Unit and members of SIS the opportunity to come together outside of their typical environment.

“For some, this is the first time they’ll have left the hospital since their accident - and seeing those people discover what’s possible after a spinal injury is genuinely moving.

“We’re truly privileged to be a part of this event and look forward to many more to come.”