Campaign Ambassador - Georgia Ormrod

Name: Georgia Ormrod

Sports/Activities: Tennis

Locality: Welwyn Hatfield

Sport was always a huge part of my life growing up, but everything changed when I had just turned 12 and went into hospital. I was around 12 and a half when I came out, and it was incredibly difficult losing the ability to take part in sport, something I had loved so much. During that time, I focused on my schoolwork to try and keep myself motivated, but in Year 9, I found my way back into sport by starting tennis — this time playing in a wheelchair. It was a new challenge, but also an important step in rebuilding my confidence and reconnecting with sport.

Ultimately, many of my health challenges are ongoing and this has led me to facing some significant barriers to my participation in tennis and sport more broadly. Living with illness has taken its toll, and I experience chronic fatigue, which can make day-to-day life difficult. I need more regular breaks when I participate but despite these challenges, I have had incredible support around me. My tennis coach, Phil Martin, has been a huge influence and really understands my journey. My parents have also been an enormous source of support. Due to my condition, I have very little control over my emotions, and I am unable to drive, so they are always there to help and support me, especially in getting me where I need to be.

Looking ahead, I want to continue developing my tennis and I want to stay involved in sport as much as possible. Being active gives me a sense of purpose and enjoyment, and I hope it will continue to play a positive role in my life moving forward.