As reported by BBC News
When Sue Frost, 60, was left paralysed from the chest down after a serious accident, she thought her days of leading spin classes were over. A passionate instructor with over 15 years of experience, Sue had been teaching up to 11 classes a week before breaking her neck in a fall.
But with the help of Nottingham-based DJ and producer Paul Gribby, Sue has found a powerful new way to keep the energy alive—through DJing.
Introduced via SoundLincs, a Lincolnshire-based community music charity, Sue and Paul quickly connected over their love of music. Within two hours of meeting, they’d already started shaping an idea: Sue could DJ her own spin sessions.
Paul sourced lap-friendly DJ decks that connect to an iPad and speaker setup, allowing Sue to mix tunes while instructing from her wheelchair. For Sue, it’s not just about adapting—it’s about evolving.
“I can’t get on a spin bike anymore, but that doesn’t really matter,” she told the BBC. “I’m doing what I used to do, just in a different way.”
Sue had never considered DJing before. At first, she thought she might be too old to pick it up. But with Paul’s support and encouragement, she discovered a new rhythm in life.
“If music isn’t your life, it can become your life,” she said. “I’ve always enjoyed my music, but now I’m just doing it in a different way.”
Paul, who runs DJ workshops as part of his work with SoundLincs, sees it as proof that there’s always a way to stay connected to the things you love.
“Sue just wanted to have a go,” he said. “Now she’s got something to focus on beyond spin—finding music, building playlists, practising, and being in a happy place.”
Sue is now working towards hosting online classes where she’ll DJ live for spin participants.
Her story is a reminder of what’s possible when creativity meets determination—and why music and DJing can be a lifeline for anyone, at any stage of life.