A spinal research charity is launching its 2025 Christmas appeal, highlighting the "life-threatening impact" of urinary tract infections (UTIs) on people with spinal cord injuries.

Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research (SMSR) is urging the public to donate to the appeal.

To highlight the impact UTIs they can have on these people, the charity has shared Adam's story.

Adam suffered a spinal injury at the age of 17, and has been paralysed from the waist down ever since.

As a result of his injury, he suffered from "multiple recurrent UTIs", which made it difficult for him to "function in his everyday life and work".

The infections became more "debilitating", and his body became resistant to the antibiotics available, meaning doctors struggled to treat his UTIs.

Adam said: "I was petrified of what would be next."

But this all changed when Adam joined a trial funded by SMSR, which reduced UTIs by 80 per cent in participants.

"The trial I took part in made a huge difference to me," he said.

"I was able to get on with work and with family life without constantly feeling ill and worrying for the future."

SMSR is urging people to donate what they can to keep funding this essential and life-enhancing research.