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Local paddling physiotherapist, Julie Gray, awarded MBE.

Friday, 5 January 2024 19:35

Julie Gray, paddling physiotherapist and Newark & Sherwood Community Awards beneficiary awarded MBE.

Julie Gray, a paediatric physiotherapist and founder of Adventure Activities for All Abilities, has been awarded an MBE in the King's New Year's Honour's list.

Julie has been recognised for her work with children who have impairments, including cerebral palsy, spina bifida and autism.

She was "shocked and excited" when told she was getting the MBE. 

"I was jumping up and down and punching the air like I was at a rave! 

"Must have looked mad to anyone that looked through the window."

The Newark-based paddler has worked with young people with additional and special needs for more than 30 years.

Adventure Activities for All Abilities uses kayaking and canoeing to enrich the lives of young people.

When the club won a British Canoeing Equality & Diversity Award in 2020, Julie said:

"Putting [the youngsters] in a canoe is a nice way of improving [coordination and balance issues], so without doing therapy, they're getting a lot of therapy."

The club is described as a "second family" by its users who feel they are "accepted for who they are".

Julie supports British Canoeing's Big Paddle Cleanup and leads litter picks on the River Devon near Newark, Nottinghamshire.

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