Martine Wright MBE

Martine Wright is unique and admirable in every way. After losing both legs in the Circle line bombing in 2005, she considers herself lucky. She lives life to the full, with meaning and focus in a way she never had before the terrorist attacks that shook London.

That terrifying and life-altering day was one of the bloodiest in London’s history. With many dead and injured, and hundreds more traumatised, Martine pulled through the horror with a unique outlook that helped her springboard to new opportunities, including a successful sporting career.

The long and arduous process of rehabilitation and rebuilding a life brought Martine to an exciting chapter – The 2012 London Paralympics. Her life was full of new purpose and routines, and most importantly, of hope for a happy future.

As part of the sitting volleyball team, Martine belongs to a world where inclusivity and team spirit is the key to success. As a result of her love of the sport, and of the new meaning her life holds, she is determined to spread the word about the advantages that teamwork and motivation can hold for business.

Making her debut at the 2010 Kent International against the Paralympic Champions, China, Martine had no realisation that she was at the beginning of a glittering sporting career. She has been capped over 40 times, and can occupy any position, including Server, Hitter, Blocker and Libero. One of her proudest career-defining moments came when her team beat Canada at the 2010 World Championships.

Some of Martine’s other achievements since 7/7 are getting married, giving birth to a little boy, learning to ski and jumping out of a plane with a parachute on her back! She also learnt to fly solo after completing a Douglas Bader Flying Scholarship for the Disabled in South Africa.

She is also a public campaigner for the families of the victims of the 7/7 bombings.

In 2010, Martine was awarded the title of Hertfordshire Sportswoman of the year and she was named the 2012 Inspirational Woman of the year in Zest magazine, as well as being honoured with the BBC Helen Rollason Award Sports Personality of the Year in 2012.

She was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2016 Birthday Honours for services to sport.