What does freedom look like when you redefine what is possible after spinal cord injury?

In this episode of Back Up and Thriving, Sophie Elwes is joined by Nathalie McGloin, the first female tetraplegic racing driver in the world and President of the FIA Disability and Accessibility Commission. Nathalie shares her journey from sustaining a complete C6–7 spinal cord injury at 16 to becoming a licensed racing driver and international leader in motorsport accessibility.

Nathalie reflects on spending 11 months in hospital, returning to school and university, and how wheelchair rugby shaped her confidence, resilience and independence. She speaks candidly about learning to drive with extensive hand controls, the emotional impact of driving independently, and how mobility opened up travel and opportunity.

Travel, movement and access are central to Nathalie’s story. She discusses driving as a form of freedom, navigating cities, long journeys, and racing circuits, and how preparation, health management and peer support underpin independence. Nathalie also shares insights into founding Spinal Track, creating access to motorsport for disabled people, and using lived experience to drive systemic change.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How driving and travel support independence after spinal cord injury
• Why peer support builds confidence and ambition
• What it takes to race safely with a spinal injury
• How Nathalie uses her platform to improve accessibility in motorsport
• Practical advice for living well and travelling with a spinal cord injury

Key Moments:
00:02 – Nathalie McGloin introduces her story
03:38 – Peer support and early independence
06:21 – Understanding her spinal injury
08:21 – Learning to drive after injury
13:23 – What driving independence means
16:23 – Favourite places to drive and travel
18:01 – Motability and vehicle adaptations
19:42 – Discovering track driving
26:03 – Getting a racing licence
31:12 – Confidence, setbacks and progress
38:13 – Racing wins and career highlights
41:19 – Leading the FIA Disability and Accessibility Commission
48:03 – Founding Spinal Track
58:42 – How Spinal Track works
1:00:39 – Safety and exiting a race car
1:02:49 – Advice to her younger self
1:04:19 – Living well with a spinal cord injury

🌍 Ready to plan your next adventure with confidence?

If you’re looking for accessible travel advice or want to connect with someone who’s been there, Back Up is here to help.

Reach out to the team and get the support you need to travel confidently today:

👉 www.backuptrust.org.uk/support-for-you/back-up-and-thriving-accessible-travel-toolkit

Credits:

This episode was hosted by Sophie Elwes, Head of Services at Back Up and produced by Phonic Content.

Back Up is a national charity for everyone affected by spinal cord injury. Join us on Instagram, Facebook, X and Linkedin.