This is Peter's Story...

SIA member Peter Smith explains how our Peer Support Service gave him the confidence and practical know-how to keep doing the things that mattered to him post-injury.
“My first encounter with SIA was at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, when I met Ian, Peer Support Officer for the North East. His support has impacted my life in so many ways. I think of him as a friend as well as a support worker; someone I know I can ring up at any time and talk to in person or over the phone. I know I’ll get impartial advice - and I can talk about quite difficult personal or emotional things about SCI.

[@katherinezeserson3122]

Peter Smith's humanity, warmth and wisdom shines out of this film just as it does face to face. Utterly inspiring.

[@petersmith9993]

Many thanks indeed Katherine Best wishes Peter

[@margaretmacnamidhe8668]

It is thanks to my beloved brother Ciaran in the University of Limerick that I have been brought to an awareness of Professor Peter Smith’s extraordinary spirit, intellect, and capacity to return to life in all its richest manifestations despite a devastating injury. His story humbles me and helps me guard against treating my own minor concerns with overt seriousness, when Peter is here to remind us all of how much there is in life to celebrate.

[@dr.derekwatson1518]

Professor Peter Smith has helped 100's of students complete their PhDs, he is an exception individual and an amazing academic. His video is inspirational.

[@petersmith7638]

Hi Derek, Many thanks Peter

[@davecamlin]

Really inspiring. Peter is a remarkable man, who helped me achieve my doctorate. To face this life-changing injury with such bravery is deeply humbling.

[@elainepotts1052]

Thanks Dave Best wishes Peter

[@trevormortimer4103]

As well as everything else, this gentleman's blog detailing a life's worth of rock n roll gig going has given yours truly hours and hours of reading pleasure, I live in the North East myself and attended many of the self same gigs in the 70's in particular. Peter, you're an inspiration sir, I wish you all the very best.

[@petersmith9993]

Good man Trevor.. Rock n Roll will keep us all going Peter

[@GaryUnt]

Very inspiring as Peter has always been

[@petersmith7638]

Thanks Gary

[@donalheffernan1340]

Dr. Donal Heffernan, University of Limerick, Ireland
Peter - your are an exceptional individual. You have given so much support the students at the University of Limerick, Ireland over many years. I know you also gave freely of your time to support other Irish universities - the Dublin Institute of Technology. We will never forget your generosity.

[@petersmith7638]

Hi Donal great to hear from you, Thank you for your kind comments. I have lots of fond memories of friends and colleagues in Limerick and Dublin Best Wishes Peter.

[@stevethompsonmr]

Surely is inspirational.

[@petersmith7638]

Thanks Steve, Best wishes Peter

[@finlyons6684]

Ian Younghusband is my uncle

[@donalheffernan1340]

Dr. Donal Heffernan