Sporting Excellence Award – Public Vote

In 2016, Neil founded Climb2Recovery, a charity that supports wounded soldiers by using adventures and challenges to find purpose.

Neil set himself the immensely challenging target of summiting the Matterhorn. In his first attempt he neared the summit of the 14,692 ft high peak before terrible weather conditions forced him to turn back. Devastated at not reaching his goal, Neil took on the remarkable feat twice more.

Neil’s third attempt was complex due to COVID-19 restrictions, and he faced a knife-edge moment as one of his prosthetic limbs fell off 100 metres from the summit! Fortunately he managed to re-attach it and, despite contending with that obstacle, he reached the snow-capped peak to become the first above-the-knee double amputee to scale the Matterhorn!

This success was a remarkable personal achievement as a disabled climber needs around seven times the energy of an able-bodied counterpart.

“Neil’s mission was to test himself in a harsh sporting environment, inspire others to challenge themselves and, importantly, help them reconnect with society, make new friends, forge independence and re-discover their zest for life.”

The successful expedition raised more than £9,000 for Climb2Recovery which will be used directly to provide others with a route into sport and recovery.

“That moment on the summit is not just a fleeting headline or memory. It has a legacy that is empowering others into sport and physical endeavour.”

A keen sportsperson, Josh completed the Race Across America in a record time of 6 days, 12 hours and 36 minutes. He took part in the Invictus Games in 2014 and 2016, proudly picking up several medals. Proficient on land and in the sea, Josh is a qualified PADI rescue diver; he fancied trying scuba diving while on his honeymoon and very quickly became addicted. Training with Deptherapy, he become the world’s first triple amputee rescue diver!

“Josh is a happy go lucky person with a huge network of friends, and he’s really starting to make a difference. From sitting on amputee advisory boards to taking part in medical science research projects, if he can help someone else, he will.”

Josh has recently become involved with the Generation R project, delivering inspirational talks to schools and colleges – something he is hugely passionate about. He also works with Casualty Resources, an organisation that provides real amputee actors for Casualty Simulation Training, and he’s a committee member of the CASEVAC Club, supporting those injured on Herrick and Telic operations.

Josh loves nothing more than taking his son to football training – where he coaches the team. He has shown that nothing is impossible and you really can achieve anything you want.

“I am incredibly proud of him and what he has achieved, he amazes me with his true determination and grit.”

www.joshboggi.com

Sally has raised over £500,000 for more than 30 charities while honouring the NHS and military, and changing the conversation on mental health. She ran the virtual London Marathon isolated in a pod of the iconic London Eye with the wheel representing the highs and lows of people’s emotions. Then she ran a marathon 1000m underground in a mine to highlight that one never knows what is going on beneath the surface in someone else’s mind.

“Sally helped to enable the opportunity for over 1600 Army cadets to take part in a mental health awareness training programme, leading to a further Guinness Book Record.”

Sally completed 22 years of exemplary service as an Army physiotherapist. She now works on the frontline at the NHS Nightingale Hospital, rehabilitating patients recovering from COVID-19. Sally has run 100 laps (100 miles) of the hospital in honour of Captain Sir Tom Moore, completed around her long shifts, wearing military uniform for half of the laps and hospital scrubs for the other half.

Sally has run over 60 marathons, completed the gruelling Marathon des Sables (150 miles across the Sahara), swum the English channel, cycled the length of New Zealand and led the first all-female wounded, injured and sick team in the world’s toughest cycle race. She is a 2016 Invictus Games medallist and 10 x World record holder.

“Sally inspires everyone she comes into contact with. Her enthusiasm, engagement and sheer energy is infectious and persuasive.”

www.sallyorange.com

For the past 4 years, Jeffrey has been challenged by cancer, coupled with a long term back injury sustained during parachuting whilst in service. Yet on 13 March 2021, aged 89, he began a 190 mile charity walk in celebration of both 100 years of The Royal British Legion and 90 years for Support Our Paras.

Jeffrey’s walking exploits are legendary and a testament to his sporting prowess – none more so than his 650 mile walk from London to Switzerland, aged 75. His other triumphs include a 12km Assault Course, a 127 mile walk from Liverpool to Leeds and 100 miles in 10 days between 10 RAF Stations.  His services were recognised in a private letter from the Prime Minister, and in 2018, he won the prestigious Times Sternbeck award.

“Jeffrey has proven exceptional strength of character, perseverance, tolerance and above all humility, and is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence. He has been honoured with an MBE, and an award from RBL in recognition of his outstanding services to charity.”

During lock down and within Covid Guidelines, Jeffrey walked 2.6 miles a day for 10 consecutive days for the London Marathon Challenge, plus hundreds of miles for The Lifeboats and RAF Benevolent Fund.

“Jeffrey Long MBE is a truly legendary character with a lively disposition, compassion and a wicked sense of humour! Approaching 90, he sees no relevance in age and will continue to walk as long as possible. His perseverance, energy and self-belief are an inspiration to all.”