2025: An Epic Year 😎

Apparently so, because it’s only when you start scrolling back through photos that it hits you just how much life managed to cram itself into twelve short months.

Looking back, this year has been full to the brim with meeting amazing people, moments that made me laugh, cry, swear quietly to myself, and occasionally think, “Well… this escalated quickly.”

Let’s start with one of the biggest surprises: receiving the Mayor of Exeter’s Commendation Award for my charitable work and, according to the certificate, my “pure determination to succeed.” I’ll be honest, seeing that written down was surreal. I don’t do what I do with awards in mind. I do it because I believe, deeply, that sport is for everybody.

That’s why I use my everyday wheelchair, not a sports chair. I want people to see that adventure, endurance, and challenge don’t belong to one specific type of body. I also do it for the charities that mean the world to me. I often choose smaller charities, knowing full well they won’t generate eye-watering fundraising totals, but they make a massive difference where it matters most: directly helping people. Many of them have helped me, and this is my way of giving something back.

And then there’s the third pillar of everything I do: women’s rugby.

I may not be able to play, but I can talk about it endlessly, champion it loudly, and shout about the incredible women who inspire me daily. If you’ve never watched women’s rugby, I challenge you to watch just one match. I’m 100% certain you’ll be hooked. These women aren’t just phenomenal athletes, they’re extraordinary human beings.

This year alone, I’ve been unbelievably lucky to receive support from players from Exeter Chiefs Women, England & USA Eagles… honestly, the list goes on. The global rugby community has wrapped me up in encouragement since I began my challenges back in 2022, and I’ll never stop being grateful for that.

One of the defining highlights of the year was completing the Race to the Rugby World Cup for Childfund-rugby. I’ll let the charity announce the final fundraising total, but I can say this: being part of it was incredibly special. The support I received, from players, staff, volunteers, and fans, was overwhelming in the best possible way.

I genuinely never imagined that a “little person in a wheelchair doing bonkers things” would attract so much attention, but if it helped shine a light on how vital this charity is, then every painful mile was worth it. Childfund-rugby changes lives, especially for girls around the world, and I’m proud to have played a small part.

Of course, it hasn’t all been smooth rolling.

I pride myself on being honest, and this year came with its fair share of challenges. I’m currently facing the likelihood of more surgery, nothing unusual in my world. My leg has deteriorated, pain levels have increased, sleep has become optional, and training through pain levels of 10 + on an almost daily basis is… character-building, let’s say.

History suggests the pattern is:
Do a challenge → have surgery → recover → do another challenge.
So far, I’ve managed to return home from hospital and complete a marathon within a month, touch wood that streak continues.

This year also brought a diagnosis of a second form of PTSD, largely stemming from being treated extremely badly by a small number of individuals. I won’t dwell on it, but when that behaviour comes from within a community you love, especially rugby, it hurts deeply. It’s been one of the hardest parts of the year to process.

But here’s the thing: people only have power if you give it to them. I’ve chosen to forgive, let go, and move forward, lighter and wiser.

Thankfully, the good moments far outweigh the hard ones.

Watching my wife complete her first half Ironman was one of the proudest moments of my life. She is extraordinary, strong, kind, and quietly heroic. She doesn’t label herself as a “carer,” but when pain takes over behind closed doors, she’s the one bringing heat packs, medication, running baths, and helping me through the hardest moments. I wouldn’t be able to do any of this without her.

My friends, especially Theresa, Paul, Becki & Sue, have been absolute rocks this year. They stood by me during the toughest moments, reminded me who I am, and helped me see that kindness and integrity always matter more than noise.

And then there were the moments that left me completely gobsmacked:

• Speaking on the pitch at the opening game of the Rugby World Cup in front of 48,000 people
• Starting a match by handing over the whistle, and receiving one back, now proudly displayed at home
• Receiving the Phil Sampson Silver linings Notty Award two years in a row
• Being highly commended at the West Country Women in Sport Awards
• Being shortlisted in the Pride of Britain Awards for charitable fundraising

None of these were things I ever imagined, and none are reasons I do what I do, but they are deeply moving reminders that this journey resonates with people.

So yes, 2025 has been a year of ups and downs. More ups than downs, thankfully. A year that taught me a lot, stretched me even more, and reminded me why I keep going.

Looking ahead:

• 2026 brings another world-record attempt, short, brutally tough, involving climbing 6,000 feet in my everyday wheelchair (cycling fans might guess where 👀).
• 2027 will be the biggest challenge of my life, launching on 1 March, fundraising for Team Forces and a US veterans’ charity (decision pending).

Plans are underway, training continues, and excitement is quietly building.

To everyone who supported me this year, every message, comment, cheer, and kind word, thank you. It means more than I can ever properly express.

Here’s to 2026. May it bring resilience, kindness, big dreams, and just enough madness to keep things interesting.

Happy New Year 💙