A First Week I’ll Never Forget
I joined WheelPower 14 months ago as Events & Community Fundraiser, providing maternity cover. In my first week, I attended the National Junior Sports Festival, and it turned out to be the perfect introduction to WheelPower. I was tasked with interviewing participants, and through those conversations I saw the enthusiasm and excitement of the young people and heard how the Games had increased their confidence and belief in what was possible. It left a lasting impression on me, and it demonstrated WheelPower’s impact in a way that no webpage or job description ever could.
Discovering the Impact of WheelPower
Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to attend many more WheelPower events, including the Inter Spinal Unit Games, where people with recent spinal cord injuries from across the UK come together to try different sports and compete for the first time since their injury. It was amazing to see people whose lives had recently been turned upside down discover all the possibilities still open to them. One moment that has stayed with me is sitting in the office during the swimming competition and hearing, and even feeling, the cheers of encouragement reverberate through the walls from the pool. It really captured the lively and supportive atmosphere of the event.
Meeting the Community
As part of my role, I’ve loved getting out into the community, from connecting with people through networking and at local events, to accompanying our Ambassadors to Rotary Clubs and schools. I’ve enjoyed talking to people about WheelPower’s work, the importance of Stoke Mandeville Stadium to the history of the Paralympic movement, and the need for greater inclusion and accessibility. I’ve also learnt a lot from meeting so many interesting people along the way, from different backgrounds, careers and walks of life, including many who had their own stories to share about WheelPower and the impact it had on them or someone they knew.
A Memorable Farewell to Tour de Vale
One of the greatest highlights of my time at WheelPower was helping to organise the final Tour de Vale Bike Ride. After months of planning, seeing more than 760 cyclists come together alongside volunteers, sponsorsand supporters to raise thousands of pounds for WheelPower was really special, and it was rewarding to hear how much people enjoyed the day. It was a reminder of what can be achieved when a community unites behind an important cause, and exactly why I enjoy working on events like this.
Professionally, this role has given me skills and confidence I didn’t have before. The thought of attending a networking event used to feel intimidating. Now, after attending 22 of them, and even presenting at a few, it’ssomething I genuinely look forward to. I leave with a real appreciation of the value of networking, which is something I’ll carry with me throughout my career. Organising a large-scale, logistically complex fundraising event like the Tour de Vale once seemed overwhelming too, but I now know I’m capable of it. Above all, this role has reinforced how much I enjoy bringing people together and contributing to something with a meaningful, lasting impact.
Personally, this role has given me a much deeper understanding of the power of sport. While I’ve always known sport is important, over the past year I’ve seen first-hand the joy and confidence wheelchair sport brings, heard stories of how sport has helped people rebuild their lives after significant challenges, and come to realise that sport is rarely just about the sport. For many, it also means independence and freedom, friendship and belonging, hope and purpose. It’s also opened my eyes to the many barriers people with disabilities face, both while taking part in sport and in everyday life. I understand much more clearly now why charities like WheelPower are so important in helping to break down those barriers and create more opportunities for disabled people to take part in sport.
Thank You
After 14 months, I’ve learned so much and I leave with far more than I expected: great memories, new skills, improved confidence, friendships and connections, and a real appreciation for the importance of inclusion in sport. It has been a privilege to be part of such a passionate and supportive team, and I look forward to seeing WheelPower’s impact continue to grow. Thank you to everyone who has made my time at WheelPower so special.
