A lifting system for lifting a subject (12) supported in a particular position is described. The lifting system has a platform (10) for supporting the subject (12) on an elongate platform surface (101). The platform surface (101) is selectively configurable in a flexible state allowing the elongate platform (10) to fold along a longitudinal line for positioning beneath the subject (12), and a rigid state to support the subject (12) in the desired position. The platform also has one or more attachment structures (16) and, the lifting system has a lifting device (26) for detachably engaging (18) the one or more attachment structures (16) to elevate and lower the platform (10) cantilevered from the lifting device (26).
