The Locke family’s story began in 2004, when Georgie’s nan, Gill, was paralysed from the neck down following a stroke. After time in several hospitals, she was moved to the National Spinal Injuries Centre at Stoke Mandeville Hospital — where the family’s link to WheelPower began.
“Stoke Mandeville were phenomenal. It was just a real eye opener to go there a couple of times a week and see what they were doing with nan but other patients too… I was with nan one day, walking around the grounds and we just sat on the track watching sport and we realised there was more to life than just the wheelchair and as a family we thought, how can we really help?”
In 2007, Georgie’s dad, Gary, ran the London Marathon with a family friend to raise money for WheelPower, marking the start of their amazing support. Since then, Georgie’s partner Michael has completed five marathons, and many cousins and friends have joined in. Georgie herself has run three, with her fourth in 2025 — this time alongside her dad, sister Lizzie, and friend Billy – all for WheelPower.
So far, the Locke family have raised over £50,000 for WheelPower. Each year they host a lively fundraising evening, and involve friends, family, and business contacts. Their efforts have helped thousands of disabled children and newly injured adults to get active and play sport.
The family continue to fundraise for WheelPower and spread awareness of our work.
