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WheelPower support Women's Sport Week: Maggie's story

'I left feeling amazed and found a sport that I had passion for.'

To celebrate and support Women's Sport Week, WheelPower, the National Disability Sports Organisation caught up with Maggie Butcher about her passion for wheelchair rugby.

Organised by Women In Sport, this week 1 - 7 June is Women's Sport Week. The campaign is an opportunity for everybody involved with playing, delivering, leading or working in sport to celebrate, raise awareness and increase the profile of women’s sport across the UK. It is supported by many partners, including National Governing Bodies, Sky Sports, the BBC, Sport England, National Disability Sports Organisations and others from across the sport sector.

Maggie's story

Maggie had a BMX injury and after three months doctors discovered she had a bleed to the spine which was not detected previously. The C7-8 injury now means Maggie is a full time wheelchair user at the age of 20. 

As part of her rehabilitation Maggie attended The WheelPower Inter Spinal Unit Games 2014 at Stoke Mandeville Stadium. A part of the Salisbury Spinal Unit team at the Games, Maggie was able to try a range of new sports, including wheelchair rugby. 12 months on it is now a sport she feels very passionate about, along with the other wheelchair sports that she plays. 

Maggie, pictured below said:

'Before I went to the games last year I never would have thought that wheelchair rugby was ever a sport as it’s a rough sport. After coming away from the Inter Spinal Unit Games I now have a passion for wheelchair rugby.'

In the year since being discharged from hospital, Maggie has continued to make progress in her movement. Now moving forward one of her goals is to stand up on her own. Something she has very nearly achieved recently as she goes from strength to strength.

You can find out more about Women’s Sport Week on their dedicated campaign website, and join the conversation on social media using #WSW2015.
To find out more about WheelPower and opportunities for people with a physical impairment, visit the WheelPower website.