LOCAL Paralympics gold medallist Gregg Stevenson has accepted an invitation to become an honorary member at Skipton Golf Club.

Stevenson, from Foulridge, a former commando who lost both legs to an IED in Afghanistan, undergoing a double leg amputation, struck gold in the Paris Paralympics when partnering Lauren Rowles to success in the PR2 mixed double sculls.

This feat was further recognised when he received an MBE in the 2025 New Year Honours list, which recognises the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the UK. The accolade acknowledges his services to rowing.

Stevenson is no stranger to the Skipton course, having competed regularly in its On Course Foundation charity day organised annually by Ilkley businessman and Skipton member David Rasche.

He was among 15 service personnel and veterans who participated in the 13th annual event last September, which raised £20,000, further boosting the magnificent £300,000 already realised previously.

Skipton Golf Club chairman Ian Sewell explained that following the latest fund-raiser the board fully recognised that golf had been integral to Stevenson’s pathway to recovery and unanimously agreed to offer him honorary membership “as our local Paralympic gold medallist and with the assurance that he also plays a mean game of golf!”

With the privilege come full playing rights to compete in all competitions and full access to the course and clubhouse, with the added hope that Stevenson might in return also become an ambassador for the club.

He had no hesitation in accepting the offer, when he recently commented: “I am thrilled at the opportunity to become an honorary member at Skipton and would be delighted to champion the club whenever possible.”