Margaret Gibbs, an 87-year-old ex-paralympian from Abbotskerswell who competed in three consecutive Paralympic Games from 1964, has recently been under the compassionate care of Rowcroft Hospice. A trailblazer in British sports, Margaret’s remarkable career saw her secure 23 medals across the Paralympics and Commonwealth Games. Her impact on the sporting world and advocacy for disabled athletes have left an indelible mark on history, promoting inclusivity in sports and helping to shape the future of the Paralympic Movement.
An early passion for sport
A wheelchair user from the age of 12 after polio paralysed her legs, Margaret discovered her passion for sport early in life.
“I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time and was discovered when I was at my local swimming club in Croydon,” Margaret recalls. “This was at a time when Sir Ludwig Guttmann, founder of the Paralympic Movement, was looking for more competitors to compete. I was invited to the next National Games, where I did pretty well.”
A sporting legend
Margaret went on to compete at the Paralympics and Commonwealth Games, accumulating a total of eight gold medals, nine silver and six bronze through a broad range of sports including wheelchair basketball, archery, javelin, shotput, discus, track events, swimming and slalom. Reflecting on her career, Margaret said:
“It was an amazing time; I had no idea I was going to do so well and I felt so honoured to be representing Great Britain. Being on the podium, with the flag going up, made me feel like 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.
Inspiring generations of athletes with disabilities
Margaret’s participation in the 1964, 1968, and 1972 Paralympic Games, as well as her triumphs in the Commonwealth Games, helped pave the way for generations of athletes with disabilities. After relocating to South Devon in 1966, she and her husband founded a South Devon sports association for athletes with disabilities, inspiring and empowering local people to take up and develop their sporting interests.
“It was great because we felt we were really achieving something and it changed people’s lives,” said Margaret. “The Paralympics are such a big thing now and I often wonder what Sir Ludwig Guttmann would think if he could see how amazing the Paralympics have become today; we’ve come such a long way from those early days.”
“I’m so proud of Mum,” said Margaret’s daughter, Amanda. “She’s an incredible person; nothing ever stopped her in life. To know that she’s been in the Paralympics three times is just amazing. She’s been a fantastic role model, and it’s quite difficult to live up to!”
Care and support from Rowcroft
Following a recent cancer diagnosis, Margaret has been receiving specialist palliative care from Rowcroft Hospice, to help manage her pain. Reflecting on a two-and-a-half-week stay in Rowcroft’s Inpatient Unit and her continued care at home, Margaret said:
“The staff were amazing – so caring, empathic, and friendly – and I can’t praise them enough. Most people think that 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 that I’m at home, Rowcroft is still keeping in touch to check on me. It’s comforting to know they’re there if I need them.”
“Spending that time in the hospice was the best thing that could have happened,” added Amanda. “The change in Mum was incredible. She went from someone struggling every day to being able to come home again. The atmosphere was calm and friendly, and every member of staff we met was absolutely brilliant; nothing was too much trouble.
“It’s a wonderful place to go for care when you need it most in your life, not just for those who are poorly, but for the families as well. Rowcroft is invaluable to our community, offering a level of support that really makes a difference during such a difficult time.”
Compassionate care for the South Devon community
For over 40 years, Rowcroft Hospice has been at the heart of the South Devon community, providing compassionate care for patients with life-limiting illnesses. Margaret’s story is a testament to the critical role that the hospice plays in supporting patients and their families, ensuring dignity, comfort, and care in life’s most challenging moments.
During recent months, Rowcroft has indicated that the financial pressures facing the charity are significant – due to many factors including rising costs, stalled funding, a national drop in charitable giving, and a rising demand for end-of-life care services. The charity continues to stress that support of the community is crucial to ensure the continuation of vital services.
To find out how you can support Rowcroft Hospice or to make a donation, please visit www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk/get-involved/
Watch Margaret’s video
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