Congratulations to Paralympic wheelchair rugby player Aaron Phipps and Paralympic sprint runner Jonnie Peacock who have both been included in the Shaw Trust’s 2018 Disability Power 100 List.
The power list is an annual publication of the 100 most influential disabled people in the UK.
Aaron survived meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia at the age of 15, but the disease meant that both his legs and most of his fingers had to be amputated. After a long period of rehabilitation, Aaron got into wheelchair racing, and went on to compete in the Team GB Paralympic rugby team at London 2012 where he scored over half the rugby team’s points. He’s currently training towards Tokyo 2020. In addition to these impressive sporting achievements he has dedicated his life to helping and giving hope to other disabled people as a mentor and motivational speaker.
Aaron is an Ambassador for Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) and has taken part in various fundraising, awareness and peer support events with the charity and has become an inspiration to those more recently affected by meningitis.
Jonnie lost his lower left leg to meningitis at the age of five and has been a staunch supporter of MRF for many years, often teaming up with young MRF Ambassador Sofia Crockatt at the Great North Run to raise awareness of the disease.
Jonnie is a Patron for MRF, and following his success as a gold medallist at both the 2012 and 2016 Paralympic games, and his appearance on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, he is an inspiration to other affected by meningitis and septicaemia.
More than 700 nominations were received for the 100 places. The Disability Power 100 List is compiled by an independent judging panel, chaired by Kate Nash OBE.
MRF could not be more proud to know Aaron and Jonnie.
The full Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 List can be found on www.disabilitypower100.com.