Firas Sarhan is Clinical Education Transformation Lead working at the National Spinal Injury Centre with NHS England developing educational curriculum on spinal cord injury management and rehabilitation. Previously he was the Director and lead academic for the Centre of Excellence for Telehealth and Assisted Living at Barnet Southgate College. Firas was also principal and Senior Lecturer in the School Advanced & Continuing Practice at Buckinghamshire New University. He has more than 30 years experience in acute rehabilitation and continuing care of people with physical disabilities. Firas has a wide range of experience in applying smart technology in supporting patients with long term conditions, he was able to establish living lab to examine and evaluate the impact of technology on health and wellbeing of individuals with long term conditions. He is keen on research and data regarding the needs of individuals with long term disability i.e. Spinal Cord injury and Cauda Equina Syndrome. Firas established two educational apps to support professionals, patients , and relatives re spinal cord injury management. Firas also works as a volunteer as a project Manager for a UK based charity ABCD children of Bethlehem which supports Palestinian children with physical disability in the refugee camps in Palestine.
Steven is a former Traffic police officer and had to medically retire after his CES injury. As well as helping us at the charity and becoming a charity trustee he also dedicates much of his spare time to the Police Cadets in Blackpool where he works as the Police Cadet Commander. Steven is husband to Lisa, father to Josh, Emily and Sam as well as relatively new grandad to Autumn with another granddaughter on the way. Steven routinely attends our charity events with his lovely wife Lisa who has been there for Steven throughout his CES journey. His positive energy is contagious. He always has time to talk to and support people and share his advice with them. Despite high levels of pain and reduced mobility, he throws himself into living life and making the most of everything. I am in awe of how much he manages to cram into his day, dedicated to helping young police cadets and fellow CES patients. His sense of humour brings a much-needed light heartedness to meetings and he is always approachable for those needing a listening ear. We are grateful to have met Steven and for the friendship and working relationship that has developed over the many years since Claire’s injury.
We have various roles available if you would like to volunteer for our charity . You may be a fantastic fundraiser or want to help other people affected by CES through our peer support service – fill in the form opposite and a member of our team will be in touch to tell you more.
