Independent Living Advisors

Roy Hawkins, Salisbury

Roy has a wealth of knowledge and advice he can share about living independently after a spinal injury.  He will share his personal experiences of care plans, skin management, work, equipment and life following discharge.  Roy can refer you to other services and provide practical advice on a range of topics. 

Roy is in the unit each Wednesday or you can email Roy

Alex Jewitt, Sheffield

After an accident in 1997, Alex was a patient in Sheffield for six months. With 25 years as a wheelchair user, he has first-hand knowledge of the issues and challenges that you might be facing and will be able to provide a listening ear and discuss issues such as housing, driving, mobility equipment (e.g. wheelchairs), holidays, care plans and life after discharge. 

Alex is in the unit each Thursday or you can email Alex

Peter Lau, Wakefield

In 2014 Pete sustained his spinal injury following a bike crash.  After completing his rehabilitation in Wakefield, Pete found a love of nature and photography which sees him accessing wilder places, nature and the outdoor environment which can present numerous challenges to a wheelchair user.  He will advise about these issues and offer practical advice on a range of subjects. 

Pete is in the unit each Tuesday or you can email Peter

Lindsay Liggett, Stanmore

Lindsay can help answer your questions about life after discharge and direct you to other organisations or services that can help you.  Please ask Lindsay about the other services that Aspire provide and how they might be able to help you now and in the future such as Assistive Technology, Housing, Welfare Benefits Advice Service and Money Matters Advice. 

Lindsay is in the unit each Monday or you can email Lindsay

Alan Patterson, Belfast

Alan will offer support and advice on a range of subjects which will support you through your rehabilitation journey.  He can provide practical advice and share his experiences with equipment, driving, traveling, self-care and relationships.  Alan can refer you to other Aspire services and provide details of government and charity organisations. 

Alan is in the unit each Thursday or you can email Alan

Chris Haynes, Stoke Mandeville

Chris can offer support and advice on a range of subjects which will support you through your rehabilitation journey. He will provide practical advice and share his experiences with equipment, driving, housing, self-care, care plans and life after discharge

Email Chris

Trish Thompson, Middlesbrough

After a road traffic accident in 1990, Trish initially completed her rehabilitation in Hexham Spinal Unit before returning to university to complete her degree. She has worked for several spinal injury charities in various roles, including mentoring, group leading and peer-support.

Email Trish

Lowrie Nicholls - Cardiff

Lowrie sustained her injury August 2021 and was a patient in Llandough from November 2021 to October 2022. She has first-hand knowledge of spinal injury issues and challenges and and will be able to provide a listening ear to discuss issues such as housing, transport, equipment, attending events, daily living and more. Lowrie sustained her T12 incomplete injury after a traumatic fall. Spending 6 weeks on flat rest and 14 months in rehabilitation, Lowrie is a full-time wheelchair user but uses a frame to transfer and to manage short distances around her home. From needing full assistance during her early rehabilitation, Lowrie now lives and works independently.

Email Lowrie

Kev Scott - Oswestry

Kev was injured in a motorbike accident in 2004. After two weeks in a general hospital, he was transferred to the Spinal Injury Centre in Oswestry where he spent six months in recovery and rehabilitating. With lots of spinal cord injury experience he is happy to discuss any concerns you may have. He can share information about the various services Aspire provides, signpost to other services and share his experiences around driving, equipment, wheelchairs and returning to work.

Email Kev

Louise Dean

Louise was injured in 1990 and treated at Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham, before continuing outpatient rehabilitation at Southport Spinal Injuries Centre. She is a full-time power wheelchair user, drives a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, enjoys the countryside with her dog, and loves to bake.

Louise is available to chat about your rehabilitation and offer advice on the many services Aspire provides. Having volunteered with other SCI charities and drawn on her own experience, she has extensive knowledge of other organisations, along with practical hints and tips to support your journey towards independent living.

Louise is in the unit each Wednesdays Thursday or you can email Louise.