Message of support from HRH The Princess Royal

Royal Patron of the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA), HRH The Princess Royal, has sent a message of support to everyone affected by a spinal cord injury (SCI) and the charities, like SIA, that exist to help them.

We were incredibly grateful to receive this message, which was written for the 50,000 SCI people in the UK and those who provide care and support to them during the Coronavirus pandemic.

The message acknowledges SIA’s work as a great example of the support given to vulnerable people during the Coronavirus crisis and tells people paralysed by SCI that they have not been forgotten.

We’ve seen a huge increase in demand for our services from SCI people concerned about how Coronavirus might affect them. We’ve redeployed our services to ensure every one of the 50,000 people living with SCI gets the information, advice and support they need to stay safe, well and out of hospital – saving lives and protecting the NHS.

A message of support:

As Patron of the Spinal Injuries Association, I understand the many challenges that you experience in your daily lives as well as the grit and determination needed to rebuild your lives after injury or diagnosis. Many rely on carers to meet basic life sustaining needs. Some are more susceptible to infections and are at greater risk of severe complications if they develop symptoms. Self-isolation and social distancing away from loved ones can be hard, painful even, for all of us.

I want to let you know that you are not forgotten. Charitable organisations from across the country are united in their commitment and determination to support vulnerable people. Spinal Injuries Association’s ambition is nothing less than to ensure that no injured person is left to face this crisis alone. Their determination that every SCI person gets the information, advocacy and support they need to stay safe and well, and out of hospital – thereby saving lives and protecting the NHS – is to be applauded. Their work is a great example of those who are working so tirelessly to support other vulnerable people in our communities across the country.

HRH The Princess Royal

Visit the Coronavirus section of our website for information, advocacy and support. You can also call our Support Line, Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm on 0800 980 0501.