A Father’s Mission Born from Love
In June 2019, our world changed forever. My daughter Freya, just 13 at the time, was diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis—a severe and aggressive curvature of the spine that progressed rapidly. In the blink of an eye, her spine shifted from completely straight to a staggering 74-degree curve, and before long, it worsened to over 90 degrees. Within weeks, Freya was undergoing major surgery to insert titanium rods to support her spine and protect her future.
As a father, watching your child face such adversity is utterly heart-wrenching. But Freya’s courage inspired me. I knew I had to do something not just for her, but for every family who might one day face this same battle.
The Walk Backwards: A Symbol of Their Struggle
In 2023, I took on a personal and symbolic challenge—to walk 70.6 miles (113.6 km) from Portland, where Freya was diagnosed, to Southampton General Hospital, where her surgery took place. But I didn’t do it the usual way—I walked every single step backwards.
This wasn’t a stunt. It was a metaphor. Children with scoliosis often feel like they’re walking backwards—enduring pain, uncertainty, and fear, while the world continues to move forward around them. My backwards walk was my way of stepping into their shoes, of drawing attention to the struggle so many families face in silence.
Supporting Scoliosis Research UK
Raising awareness is only the first step. We need better research, better treatment options, and more support for affected families. That’s why all royalties from my upcoming memoir, Soldier of Conscience, will be donated directly to Scoliosis Support and Research UK, the UK’s leading charity dedicated to scoliosis.
SSR provides vital services—from funding groundbreaking research, to offering support and information for families navigating the diagnosis. Their work ensures that fewer children have to go through what Freya did, and that more families feel less alone.
Soldier of Conscience – Available for Pre-Order Now
My book, Soldier of Conscience, is more than a military memoir. It’s a personal journey through service, trauma, healing, and ultimately—hope. It tells the story of a soldier and paramedic who’s faced battlefields both in war zones and at home.
Inside, you’ll read about:
- My time in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, and Iraq
- Life-saving missions as a paramedic
- The hidden wounds of PTSD
- The moment my daughter’s diagnosis changed everything
- My journey walking backwards across the south of England
Pre-orders are now open, and every copy sold will help fund scoliosis research through SSR UK.
👉 Pre-order Soldier of Conscience now
Why Awareness Matters: Freya’s Legacy
Idiopathic scoliosis affects 4 in every 1,000 children in the UK. It often goes unnoticed until the condition is severe. Many parents, like us, are unaware of the early signs—until it’s too late. Freya didn’t show visible signs or pain. She was just a healthy, happy teenager—until everything changed.
By sharing her story, and by supporting SSR, we hope to create a world where no child suffers unnecessarily, and every parent knows what to look for. Early intervention can be life-changing.
How You Can Help
- Pre-order the book – All royalties go to scoliosis research.
- Support SSR directly – Visit ssr.org.uk to learn more and donate.
- Spread awareness – Share this blog, follow @wayneingram.mbe, and tell others about scoliosis.
A Special Thank You
This campaign wouldn’t have been possible without the love and support from so many people and organisations:
- Stena Drilling
- Great Western Camping
- The Village Hotel, Bournemouth
- The Stagg Inn, Lyndhurst
- Displays UK, Christchurch
And most importantly, thank you to every person who donated, walked with me, or shared our message. Together, we made a real difference.
In Closing
Freya’s bravery lit a fire in me to act, to share, and to support. This book, this journey, this mission—it’s all for her, and for every child who deserves a life without pain.
Let’s reverse this together. Let’s stand up for scoliosis support, one step at a time.
📘 Soldier of Conscience – Out July 2025 💙 All royalties donated to SSR UK
For more updates, visit www.wayneingram.com.
