Paralympian and inclusion champion surprised with honorary award

Paralympian Louise Hunt Skelley PLY has been honoured with a Special Recognition Award for her tireless work in the media, in the world of wheelchair tennis and in being a champion for diversity and inclusion.

Louise, former British wheelchair tennis athlete and Paralympian from Wroughton, Swindon attended the South West Business & Community Awards as a nominee in the hotly contested category of Female Entrepreneur of the Year.

Louise was unaware that she would be honoured with the Special Recognition Award that night – however her husband Chris, her parents Tim and Linda and her friends were all in on the secret!

“I did not see that coming. Gosh, I’m in shock,” Louise said. “A big thank you to whomever nominated me and the amazing judges. I could thank a million people, I have the best family and friends in the whole world and I didn’t achieve that on my own, I did it because they believed in me and pushed me.

“A big thank you has to go to my husband Chris as he literally makes me think I can achieve anything and believes in every crazy idea I have. He understands I am abnormally ambitious!”

The award honoured her achievements including with the release of her book What’s Wrong with You? and her commentating at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, the Tokyo Paralympics and many Wimbledon championships.

She also an accomplished speaker and tennis tournament director and has transitioned successfully from being a full-time world class wheelchair tennis player to a successful businesswoman.

Louise is one of Wiltshire’s most accomplished elite athletes and represented Great Britain at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Paul Day, of Filestream which was the headline sponsor for the event and who presented the award said:

“As judges someone will come to our attention for a special recognition award. She stood out to receive this award in 2025. She continuously proves to us all that ‘impossible’ is not a word she recognises.

“By being positive, ambitious, and determined Louise defies boundaries. Every morning, she puts on a necklace given to her by her husband that says ‘Abnormally Ambitious’, which paints an incredible accurate picture of her.”

At the event, a recorded message was played from Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson who congratulated her for her sporting achievements and her dedication to upporting others since leaving elite sport.