Aaron Phipps

Aaron Phipps, MBE, epitomises the spirit of resilience and triumph in the face of adversity. As a distinguished athlete representing Great Britain in Wheelchair Rugby, he stands as a beacon of inspiration and achievement. At the tender age of 15, Aaron encountered a life-altering event when he underwent the amputation of both legs and most of his fingers due to blood poisoning from meningitis. Undeterred by these challenges, Aaron emerged from a year-long hospitalisation with an unwavering determination to transcend his disabilities.

Aaron's remarkable journey into sports commenced with a courageous act of charity—a 10k wheelchair race dedicated to fundraising for the Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF). His passion for pushing boundaries saw him conquer the gruelling London Marathon twice, notably securing a fourth-place finish in 2009 with a time under two hours. His dedication and prowess propelled him to join the prestigious GB Wheelchair Rugby Squad, earning selection for the 2012 London Paralympic Games where he played a pivotal role, contributing over half of his team's points.

In 2016, Aaron undertook a monumental challenge by ascending Mount Kilimanjaro, all in the name of raising funds for MRF and Shaw Trust. Despite encountering setbacks with his specially adapted off-road wheelchair, Aaron remained resolute in his determination to achieve his goal unaided. His indomitable spirit saw him reach the summit after four arduous days of trekking on his hands and knees, marking a historic milestone as the first amputee to conquer Kilimanjaro without assistance. This extraordinary feat captured national attention and was later immortalized in a Channel 5 documentary.

Returning to the arena of Wheelchair Rugby in 2017 amidst the backdrop of a global pandemic, Aaron demonstrated unparalleled tenacity and skill, propelling his team from fifth in the world to clinch the coveted title of world champions. Notably, this triumph not only marked a historic milestone for European teams in wheelchair rugby but also secured Paralympics GB's first-ever gold medal in a team sport.

Aaron's impact extends beyond the realm of sports, as he has rightfully earned recognition as one of the top 100 most influential individuals in the UK with a disability. Today, he shares his awe-inspiring journey with audiences nationwide, serving as a compelling testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the human spirit. Aaron Phipps is not just an athlete; he is an embodiment of courage and inspiration for all.