On Friday 1st November, a new film – Superman: the Christopher Reeve Story was released. In this film it charts how Reeve went from being a talented actor, to being an advocate for others after a life-changing fall from a horse that left him with a serious spinal cord injury (SCI).

The high-level (SCI) Reeve sustained meant that he was paralysed below the neck, affecting his mobility, breathing, his bowels, bladder and sexual function.

Even though Reeve had such a devastating injury, he inspired countless others, showing how he found purpose in the darkest of times as he fought for nine years to improve his condition and that of others, until he died suddenly in 2004 of heart failure.

His family, and particularly his wife Dana, have been described by many as equally heroic, as they provided extensive support and care. Dana is credited with rescuing him from the depths of despair when he contemplated suicide following the accident.

What this film does is show is some of the realities of living with a SCI. The public’s perception of such a life-changing injury is little understood and often defined using just one word - ‘paralysis’. But as well as paralysis, those with a SCI face a multitude of medical complications, including nerve damage, chronic pain, respiratory issues, and loss of bladder, bowel, and sexual function.

Such medical complications are often combined with isolation, loneliness and strained relationships. This makes mental health problems much more likely. Indeed, the latest What Matters? survey from SIA shows nearly 70% of respondents had experienced mental health problems and 39% faced suicidal thoughts following their injury.

We can’t all be ‘Superman’, but despite all the difficulties those with SCI face, it should be noted the number of those who have life-changing injuries go on, in different ways, to campaign for, and raise money for, better care, treatment and more research and in doing so, find purpose in their lives, through helping others.

Martin Hibbert sustained a spinal cord injury in the Manchester Arena bombing and has since dedicated himself to disability advocacy, even climbing Kilimanjaro to show what is possible. After watching the film, he said, “What’s striking about the film is its refusal to gloss over the realities of life after a spinal cord injury. Reeve’s story touches on everything from navigating relationships and family to confronting the physical pain and limitations he endured daily.

“The film doesn’t paint over these experiences with unrealistic optimism but instead shows how Reeve found purpose in working for the betterment of others in the spinal cord injury community. His work ultimately paved the way for significant advancements in rehabilitation, research, and awareness that have since benefited countless people.”

This is why the support that SIA and all charities supporting people with spinal cord injury are more important than ever. Spinal Research, who has links with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, are at that forefront of research. Increased awareness about recent developments into the treatment of spinal cord injury are giving people hope we will see groundbreaking changes that can transform lives.

Such research is exciting but it’s crucial we continue to support people in the UK living with a SCI today, as for many even the most basic of barriers to living life are often not in place, such as the right wheelchair or an accessible home.

Ruth F Hunt is an author and freelance journalist who has spinal cord injuries.

· Find out more about Spinal Research here: https://spinal-research.org

· The Spinal Injuries Association can be found here: https://spinal.co.uk/

· The Samaritans can be called on 116 123 or emailed jo@samaritans.org (an email reply might take a few days`)

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We can't all be Superman...