In this episode of The Back Up and Thriving Accessible Travel Podcast, host Sophie Elwes interviews Merryn Thomas about her journey with a spinal cord injury sustained in 2009. The discussion touches on various travel experiences, focusing on public transport, living abroad, and the challenges and triumphs of navigating the world as a wheelchair user. Merryn shares valuable tips for newly injured individuals, emphasizing the importance of confidence, planning, and community support. From small victories in daily tasks to solo European train trips, this episode highlights resilience and the benefits of embracing new experiences despite disabilities, with some great advice about travelling by public transport as a person with a spinal cord injury.

Episode Highlights:

01:47 Guest Introduction: Merryn's Story

06:20 Experiences with Public Transport

11:19 Living Abroad with a Spinal Cord Injury

16:49 Skills for Independence and Rehabilitation

23:40 Travel Tips and Final Thoughts

Episode Links:

• Back Up Wheelchair Skills App
• Back Up Courses
• Back Up Mentoring

Credits:

This episode was hosted by Sophie Elwes, Head of Services at Back Up and produced by Lucy Lucraft.

Back Up is a national charity for everyone affected by spinal cord injury. Join us on Instagram, Facebook, X and Linkedin.