Paralympic rower Gregg Stevenson collects MBE award

Gregg Stevenson, from Foulridge, was appointed an MBE in the New Year Honours List for services to rowing, after winning gold in the mixed double sculls at the 2024 Paris Paralympics alongside Lauren Rowles, who was also appointed an OBE.

The former Royal Engineer Commando worked for Lancashire Teaching Hospitals’ Specialist Mobility Rehabilitation Centre (SMRC) as lead physical training instructor and mental health practitioner, having been referred to SMRC after losing both his legs to an IED blast while on patrol in Helmand Province in 2009.

Gregg said: "It’s a moment that still hasn’t quite sunk in. I’m incredibly proud of this honour — not just for what it represents personally, but for what it says about the power of sport to rehabilitate and transform lives.

Gregg Stevenson outside Buckingham Palace with his MBE (Image: Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) "From injury and rebuilding, to standing on the podium, this journey has only been possible thanks to the people who believed in me when I struggled to believe myself.

"To the coaches, teammates, and support staff who stood beside me — and especially British Rowing and Lauren Rowles MBE for providing the foundations, opportunities, and belief to push beyond limits — thank you.

"Alongside rowing, I’ve been privileged to work with the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance, NHS Veteran Aware, helping shape an NHS that understands and supports the Armed Forces community.

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"I’m also currently undertaking a PhD at Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport researching how we can reduce inequalities in rehabilitation for people from underserved communities

"And a special thank you to the teams at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Op RESTORE — for quite literally keeping me upright and moving forward.

"This award is shared — with every person striving for a second chapter, and with every healthcare professional working to deliver it."

Following Gregg's achievement, he was made a Freeman of Foulridge and was presented with a special award on behalf of the village's parish council.