Fund Raising

Spinal Research West Midlands Branch was an initiative formed by Colin on his return from Africa. The aim of the affiliated branch of the International Spinal Research Trust was to spend two years raising funds to enable science to further its research into spinal cord repair.

The expedition highlighted the fact that spinal injury is a 'Global Problem'. A spinal cord injury devastates individuals and their family's lives all over the world - this problem is exacerbated in developing countries by poor infrastructure, negligible healthcare and poor education. Life expectancy of someone with a SCI in Africa is ONLY two years after the injury!

Colin’s experiences through Africa meeting individuals with spinal injuries made him determined to continue to help in anyway possible. Thinking of the bigger picture - a cure for spinal cord injury - the idea of fund raising for spinal research was formed and in November 2006 Spinal Research West Midlands Branch was set up.

The subsequent years that followed witnessed Colin working determinedly with Val Javens to meet their aim. Fundraising events such as Ceilidhs, Sponsored Walks, Golf Days, Global Dinners, Challenge Events, Salsa Nights and Black Tie Dinners at venues such as Lord’s Cricket Ground and Arsenal Football Stadium were organised. Colin also drove over 32,000 miles around the country delivering his talk to schools and organisations to convey his message ‘If you take your dreams seriously they can be made into reality’.

In December 2008 Spinal Research WMB came to an end with a total raised of roughly £110,000. Colin owes a huge amount of thanks to Derek Breed, Cranfield Business School, Hereford Lions, SRWMB fundraising committee and to all the schools, organisations and individuals who continued to support his cause. Special thanks go to Val who worked tirelessly day and night to help Colin achieve his aim.