Home / Get Involved

Get Involved

Research into spinal cord injury gets no Government or NHS funding, so everything we do depends on people like you — whether that's a donation, an afternoon's volunteering, a sponsored run, or simply becoming a member.

[ Image: supporters taking part in an INSPIRE fundraising event ]

Donate

Research into SCI is expensive — our current programme costs hundreds of thousands of pounds across several projects around the UK. Grant-making trusts provide the majority of our income, but every individual gift, big or small, genuinely helps.

[ Image: cheque presentation / donation handover ]

Online

The quickest way to give is online by card or PayPal, or via our JustGiving page.

Donate online

Bank transfer, post or phone

Prefer another way? Donate by BACS transfer, post a cheque to our Salisbury office, or call us to pay by card over the phone.

See all ways to give

Gift Aid

If you're a UK taxpayer, adding Gift Aid to your donation costs you nothing extra but lets us claim back the tax on your gift.

Gift Aid form
Leaving a legacy. A gift in your will is one of the most powerful ways to support our research long into the future. Find out about legacy giving.

Fundraise for us

We're always looking for new fundraising ideas, and love to hear from anyone keen to take one on. Here are just some of the ways our supporters raise money and awareness each year.

[ Image: INSPIRE supporters at a race day / polo tournament ]

Run, walk or cycle for INSPIRE

Taking on a sponsored run or challenge event? If you can cover your entry fee through sponsorship, we may be able to support your effort — and we've even helped students with entry costs in the past.

Email events@inspire-foundation.org.uk

Wear an INSPIRE rosette

Our racecourse rosettes let supporters show they're backing people with spinal cord injury at race days across the South of England. Volunteers who help sell them get a free ticket to the meeting.

Ask about race days

Shop, cards & merchandise

Our charity Christmas cards, the "Cook to INSPIRE" cookbook and branded merchandise are all available from our online shop, with proceeds going straight to our research fund.

Visit the shop

Come to an INSPIRE event

From the annual Polo Tournament at Tedworth Park to our Wine Tasting & Supper evening, our events bring supporters, Trustees, scientists and members together for a good cause.

See upcoming events

Help at the market stall

Moving house or having a clear-out? We run a charity stall on Salisbury Market Day and are always glad to take donated bric-a-brac — or a pair of hands to help run it.

Get in touch

Got your own idea?

Bake sale, quiz night, office collection — whatever it is, we'd love to hear about it and help however we can.

Tell us your idea

Become a member

Membership is free, with no joining fee or annual subscription. Our members come from every background — many with personal experience of spinal cord injury — and all share an interest in improving life after SCI.

[ Image: members at the INSPIRE AGM or supper ]
  • A wide network of kindred spirits interested in SCI
  • Automatic invitation to our AGM, with the right to vote on AGM business
  • The chance to get involved in our funded research projects
  • The right to raise agenda items with our Trustees and National Scientific Committee

Whether you're living with SCI yourself, a carer or family member, or simply want to support the wider SCI community, we'd be delighted to welcome you.

Become a member

Volunteer your time

We're always on the lookout for volunteers, without whom our events simply wouldn't happen. Whatever your age or experience, if you have a few hours to spare — regularly or just occasionally — we'd love to hear from you.

[ Image: volunteers helping at the Salisbury market stall ]

Ways to help

  • Join us for fundraising at the races
  • Help run the market stall
  • Assist at our Autumn Supper
  • Fly the flag at any of our events

Based near Salisbury?

We're particularly keen to hear from anyone able to help with manual tasks such as loading, unloading or driving the van for events.

Sign up to volunteer
Interested in volunteering with our research projects instead? SCI members can also get involved by trialling ideas from home, completing questionnaires, or visiting funded projects. Find out more.

Every bit of help counts

With no Government or NHS funding, INSPIRE depends entirely on people who choose to give their money, time or voice. However you'd like to get involved, we'd love to hear from you.