REPORT BY: ROBIN MOULE
LOCAL Paralympics gold medalist Gregg Stevenson has accepted an invitation to become an honorary member of Skipton Golf Club.
Foulridge’s Stevenson, a former commando who lost both legs to an IED in Afghanistan, suffering an amputation of both legs, won gold at the Paris Paralympics as he partnered Lauren Rowles to success in the doubles of mixed torque PR2.
This achievement was further recognized when he was awarded an MBE in the 2025 New Year Honors List, which recognizes the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the UK. This distinction recognizes his services to rowing.
Stevenson is no stranger to the Skipton course, having regularly attended the On Course Foundation charity day organized each year by Ilkley businessman and Skipton member David Rasche.
He was one of 15 service members and veterans who took part in the 13th annual event last September, which raised £20,000, building on the magnificent £300,000 already raised previously.
Skipton Golf Club Chairman Ian Sewell explained that following the latest fundraiser, the board fully recognized that golf had been an integral part of Stevenson’s journey to recovery and agreed to unanimously to offer him honorary membership status “as a local Paralympic gold medalist and with the assurance that he also plays a bad game of golf! »
This privilege comes with full greens rights to compete in all competitions and full access to the course and clubhouse, with the added hope that Stevenson can in return also become an ambassador for the club.
He had no hesitation in accepting the offer, when he recently commented: “I am delighted at the opportunity to become an honorary member of Skipton and would be happy to champion the club as much as possible. »