Seeing former colleague Gregg Stevenson top the podium at the Paris Paralympics was a powerful endorsement for Lancashire Teaching Hospitals’ Specialist Mobility Rehabilitation Centre (SMRC).
The 40-year-old - a former Lead Physical Instructor and Mental Health Practitioner at SMRC – won gold in a thrilling mixed double sculls final with rowing partner Lauren Rowles, to crown a remarkable couple of years in the sport.
He finished unbeaten in competition as Paralympic, World and European champion, setting world records along the way, but had to be patient before getting a seat in a British Rowing boat.
Having taken up rowing in 2012, Gregg was part of the trials process for the Invictus Games but decided to row with the GB Paralympic programme and was with GB Rowing from December 2018, before his shot at gold in Paris.
That is nothing compared to his journey to that point, however.
Gregg, from Foulridge in Lancashire, served as a Royal Engineer Commando before suffering a traumatic injury in an improvised explosive device blast in Afghanistan in 2009, which led to a double leg amputation.
He was referred to SMRC, where he was fitted with prosthetic limbs and worked hard to regain his fitness, which led to roles as Lead Physical Instructor and Mental Health Practitioner.
Victoria Bateman, Prosthetic Professional Lead at the centre, worked with Gregg along his pathway to gold, and feels he is a fantastic role model for all.
She said: “We’re all exceptionally proud of Gregg’s achievements, the whole centre and across the Trust - anyone who’s met him.
“I was away for the final, but we have a group WhatsApp and we were all waiting for the big event. We had full faith in them getting the gold - everyone was really stoked for them.
“We were all more nervous than we expected to be I think - they put us through it, but they got the job done, and we’re made up for him and Lauren!”
Victoria is in awe of what Gregg has accomplished since his life-changing injuries: “Gregg has been on a huge journey with us in many senses, as a patient, coming to work here within the centre.
“He’s educated in engineering, he did have an interest in the workshop in material sciences, he’s done a Masters degree, he has a PHd pending, he’s gone to work in mental health... he’s got so much to offer, and he’s really driven.
“It’s nice for us to have that sort of inspiring story, and positive achievement – that's a huge achievement and big milestone for Gregg, but he has achieved many, many smaller milestones along his journey. He’s not gone from being injured and becoming an amputee to suddenly becoming a gold medalist, he’s had to take all the small steps in rehabilitation that all our patients undergo.”
She explained the strength of character Gregg has displayed: “He hasn’t always been as fit as he is now, he has had to go through that difficult journey of self-motivation, persistence, resilience, and being a double amputee, it’s certainly not easy to do any of those things.
“But he’s pushed and pushed. He doesn’t just inspire people with disabilities, he inspires us all! The Paralympians are on another level, they have such dedication.
“It’s about not giving up first time if things don’t go to plan, put things into perspective and seek opportunity again when it arises.”
Gregg is a popular visitor on his regular trips back to the centre, and Victoria hopes he has a special something to show off on his next visit: “It’s really nice when he comes back to visit us, all the patients recognise him and have had interactions with him in the gym, and he really helps motivate them.
“He’s come and helped me, he gave a talk in my childrens’ school in Grimsargh about disability awareness, he’s more than happy to help anybody and raise awareness.
“Hopefully he’ll bring his gold medal with him to show everybody!”
Gregg has said he is likely to retire after winning gold, saying: “The thought has been there about competing at the next Games, but I’m definitely retiring!
“There’s the time away from my family, and in a strange way I really want to get back to work!”
Victoria wonders whether he will push on to Los Angeles in 2028, or even find another event!: “We’ll see with Gregg, you never know what he’s going to do next, or he’ll come back with another sport that he’ll blitz! I know it’s very challenging from a family position because he’s had to go and live away from home.
“But with many of the war veterans, they are a different breed, they do some unbelievable things!
“You can see from his time working here, he’s very passionate and wants to inspire other people. He’s done all the research, all the academic work, his degree, sports science – he knows the ins and outs and the benefits of health and wellbeing and exercise, how it promotes and improves rehabilitation potential, and it’s been well-delivered by him. He’s a role model, people can see he understands – it's very difficult for an able-bodied person to deliver the same message.”
