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About INSPIRE
Researching independence, quality of life and dignity after spinal cord injury.
Why we started
Unlike much bigger medical research areas such as cancer, heart disease and stroke, spinal cord injury (SCI) research remains relatively small in scale — and there is still no dedicated Government or NHS funding for it.
Back in 1985, a group of in-patients undergoing SCI rehabilitation at Odstock (now Salisbury District) Hospital identified the need to raise awareness and funds for research. Their focus was not on repairing damaged spinal nerves — sometimes called “the cure” — but on practical solutions to the everyday problems experienced by people like them. The Integrated Spinal Rehabilitation (INSPIRE) Foundation was born.
For more than 35 years, our Trustees — including the late Life Patron David McCreath — combined their own considerable experience of SCI into the development of our National Research Programme.
“To promote research into the development of practical systems for people with damage to the spinal cord by the use of the latest advances in electronic, mechanical and medical technology.”
Our objective, as registered with the Charity CommissionWhile INSPIRE was founded in Salisbury, our work is now national. We reach out to the 50,000 people living with SCI across the British Isles — from Cornwall to Ayrshire, Belfast to Lowestoft. Our scientists range from Aberdeen to Bournemouth, our research projects are spread throughout Scotland and England, and our fundraising events take us from Hampshire and London to Glasgow and the Channel Islands.
How we operate
There are three key parts to how INSPIRE works.
Fundraising & awareness
Public awareness and fundraising are constant. Without funds, we have no way of meeting our objective — so this work never stops.
FundraisingIdentifying research projects
Any scientist may approach us with a proposed project. Every proposal is scrutinised by our National Scientific Committee at their biannual meetings.
Research strategyAllocation of funds
Successful projects are then considered by our Board of Trustees, who also meet formally twice a year.
Current researchHow you can help
There are three main ways to support our work.
Donations
We rely on donations from grant-making trusts, individual donors — whether able bodied or living with SCI — and legacies. Every gift makes a real difference.
DonateFundraising events
If you have any spare time, come and support or help organise one of our fundraising events, running throughout the year across the UK.
See eventsSCI volunteers
Spinal cord injured volunteers are urgently needed to help with our research projects. Become a member and start working with like-minded people. Tel: 01722 425098.
Become a memberPeople of INSPIRE
INSPIRE is run by a network of trustees, scientists, staff, patrons and volunteers who each give their time and expertise to further our work.
Patrons
Our Patrons lend subtle influence and support across their social and professional circles. Drawn from academia, industry and the arts, all share an interest in discreetly furthering INSPIRE’s focus on independence after spinal cord injury.
Meet our PatronsThe National Scientific Committee
Some of the UK’s finest specialists in medical physics and electronics, drawn from leading teaching hospitals and universities. Members give their time freely to assess development and research projects related to spinal cord injury.
Meet the CommitteeThe Board of Trustees
Regulated by the Charity Commission, our Board of Trustees controls the management, administration and financial business of the charity. Trustees are selected for their thorough understanding of spinal cord injury and rehabilitation.
Meet the TrusteesVolunteers
We are always seeking volunteers, without whom our events simply wouldn’t happen. Whatever your age or experience, if you have a few moments to spare — regularly or occasionally — please come forward and help.
Get involvedINSPIRE staff
INSPIRE has a Director, Finance Manager and Events Manager, all based in our office next to the Spinal Unit at Salisbury District Hospital, running the charity day to day.
Meet the teamHelp us fund the next breakthrough
With no Government or NHS funding, every donation, event and volunteer hour helps us reach the 50,000 people living with spinal cord injury across the UK.