Gavin is a man who has always lived life at full throttle, thriving on the thrill of pushing his limits. An accomplished athlete and devoted father, he competed regularly in swimming, running, and triathlons, even earning the honour of representing Great Britain as an age-group athlete. His life was a whirlwind of training, competition, family time, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
But in 2020, everything changed in an instant. While driving his children home one day, Gavin noticed a mild tingling in his leg. Initially, he dismissed it as a side effect of the bike ride he had completed earlier that day. However, the sensation quickly escalated. The pins and needles turned into something far more alarming as his leg began to collapse, and he struggled to concentrate on the road. Realising something was seriously wrong, Gavin called 111, and an ambulance was dispatched immediately. Within hours, his life was irrevocably altered by a left-sided stroke that paralysed the right side of his body.
The stroke struck during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, adding to the isolation and fear that already gripped the world. Gavin went from being an athlete and hands-on father at the peak of his powers to being unable to use the right side of his body. The speed and severity of this transition were overwhelming for him and his loved ones.
After several weeks in the hospital, Gavin knew he needed more than what standard NHS rehabilitation could offer if he was to reclaim even a fraction of his pre-stroke life. That’s when Gavin turned to Hobbs Rehabilitation at Oaksey House in Lambourn, where he met the team of Specialist Neurological Physiotherapists: Sarah Holloway, Rebecca Coates, and Jo Blatherwick. Each of them worked closely with Gavin at different stages of his rehabilitation journey, providing expert care and support throughout his recovery. For Gavin, recovery wasn’t just about regaining function of his right-hand side, it was about returning to the active lifestyle and hands-on dad that defined him.
“At Hobbs, the focus was clear,” Gavin recalls. “It wasn’t just about recovering what I’d lost; it was about empowering me to return to the activities I love. My physiotherapist, Jo Blatherwick, was more than just a physiotherapist, she was a coach, guiding me back into action and helping me reclaim my life. The team at Hobbs provided not just medical care but also emotional and motivational support, every step of the way.”
One of the lasting effects of Gavin’s stroke was foot drop, a condition that makes it difficult to lift the front part of the foot. He now wears an AFO (ankle-foot orthosis) to manage this condition. But Gavin’s determination remained undimmed, and in August 2024, he took on the Superhero Triathlon with Hobbs Rehabilitation South East. Not only did he complete the triathlon independently, but he also finished it in an impressive time, a remarkable achievement that underscored his relentless spirit.
Jo Blatherwick, Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist at Hobbs Rehabilitation, has watched Gavin’s progress with admiration. “Gavin has always been determined to return to his active lifestyle,” she comments. “He’s worked incredibly hard to strengthen his right side, most recently focusing on upper limb reach during his front crawl and knee control during gait and running. Despite managing a busy family life and a career, Gavin continues to show visible improvements every time he comes to Oaksey House.”
Gavin’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and the unwavering support of a dedicated rehabilitation team. His journey from stroke survivor to triathlon finisher is nothing short of inspiring, and he deserves all the congratulations for his incredible achievements.
Reflecting on the triathlon, Gavin shared, “The triathlon itself was an incredible experience, made even better by the beautiful weather and the unwavering support from all the fantastic spectators and sidekicks. My goal was simple: to complete the race while having fun and pushing my limits, but also to cheer on my fellow participants.”
The swim turned out to be a highlight, as Gavin surprised himself by emerging first into the transition area. With his son acting as his sidekick, he quickly stripped off his wetsuit and headed to the cycling section. Being the first on the course, he had a good laugh as he gently encouraged some geese to move out of the way. As he counted off the laps, he found joy in encouraging all the other superheroes on the course, each with their unique bikes and chairs.
Back in transition, Gavin navigated through a bustling crowd of athletes heading to the start line. He racked his bike and prepared for the run, the part he was least confident about. But the support he received along the way was incredible.
As he made his way to the finish line, sidekicks on their bikes joined him, cheering him on and motivating him to keep going. His son and their dog joined in too, and crossing the finish line was nothing short of fantastic. It was the first time he had ever led a race from start to finish. And to top it all off, he even got to meet Adam Hills from The Last Leg, an amazing end to a perfect day.