EX-PARALYMPIAN Margaret Gibbs, who competed in three consecutive games, has championed hospice care.

The 87-year-old from Abbotskerswell who competed in Paralympic Games from 1964, has been under the care of Rowcroft Hospice.

A trailblazer in British sport, Margaret’s remarkable career saw her win 23 medals at the Paralympic and Commonwealth Games.

Her impact on sport and advocacy for disabled athletes has left a legacy of promoting inclusivity in sport and helping shape the future of the Paralympic Movement.

A wheelchair user from the age of 12 after polio paralysed her legs, Margaret discovered her passion for sport early in life.

She recalled: ‘I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time and was discovered at my local swimming club.

‘This was when Sir Ludwig Guttmann, founder of the Paralympic Movement, was looking for more competitors.

‘I was invited to the next National Games, where I did pretty well.’

Margaret went on to compete at the Paralympics and Commonwealth Games, winning eight gold medals, nine silver and six bronze through a range of sports including wheelchair basketball, archery, javelin, shotput, discus, track events, swimming and slalom.

She said: ‘It was an amazing time; I felt so honoured to be representing Great Britain.

'Being on the podium, with the flag going up, made me feel I was doing something meaningful, not just for myself but for my country.’

Margaret’s outstanding achievements were further recognised when she was named Sportswoman of the Year by the Sports Writers Association in 1972.

Margaret’s participation and triumphs helped pave the way for generations of athletes with disabilities.

After moving to South Devon in 1966, she and her husband founded a sports association for athletes with disabilities, inspiring and empowering local people to take up and develop sporting interests.

Margaret said: ‘It was great because we felt we were really achieving something and it changed people's lives.

‘The Paralympics are such a big thing now and I often wonder what Sir Ludwig Guttmann would think if he could see how amazing they have become, we’ve come such a long way.’

Her daughter Amanda said: ‘I’m so proud of Mum.

’She’s an incredible person; nothing ever stopped her.

‘She’s been a fantastic role model, and it’s quite difficult to live up to.’

Following a recent cancer diagnosis, Margaret has been receiving specialist palliative care from Rowcroft Hospice, to help manage her pain.

After an inpatient stay, Margaret said: ‘The staff were amazing, so caring, empathic, and friendly, and I can’t praise them enough.

‘Most people think you only go into the hospice at the very end of life, but that isn’t true. Many people, like me, receive really good care and are able to go home again.

‘Now I’m at home, Rowcroft still keeps in touch to check on me. It’s comforting to know they’re there if I need them.’

Amanda added: ‘The change in Mum was incredible. She went from someone struggling every day to being able to come home again.

‘It’s a wonderful place for care when you need it most in your life.’