We are incredibly proud to share that CiaO grant recipient Toby Richardson has been named a finalist in the Pride of Swindon Awards 2026.
First launched in 2008, the awards honour individuals who make a positive and lasting difference across Swindon’s communities. As Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said, the awards celebrate:
“the incredible people who go above and beyond to make Swindon a better place for everyone.”
Toby’s journey is a powerful example of exactly that spirit.
In June 2021, Toby’s life changed dramatically. After initially experiencing back and chest pain, his condition rapidly worsened. An emergency MRI scan revealed a previously undetected tumour spanning two-thirds of his spine. He was transferred urgently to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Swindon, where surgeons carried out an eight-hour operation to relieve pressure on his spinal cord. Following surgery and three months of intensive rehabilitation, Toby was told he may never regain use of the lower half of his body, but with extraordinary determination, and the support of his family and medical team, he gradually rebuilt his strength.
As a passionate sportsman before his diagnosis, Toby was determined to return to competition. After exploring wheelchair rugby, he discovered wheelchair racing, which is when everything changed, following a pivotal Zoom call with British Paralympic gold medallist Nathan Maguire. Since then, Toby has embraced wheelchair racing with relentless focus. In 2025 alone he became the TCS London Mini Marathon U17 Male wheelchair racing champion, competed in his first 10K race and placed 3rd and even achieved a new PB in 1500m in Vienna. He has set his sights firmly on the Commonwealth Games and LA Paralympics 2028, with dreams of representing Team GB.
Toby is now coached by Paralympian Micky Bushell MBE and his progress has been extraordinary. His coach believes this is only the beginning! The 2026 wheelchair racing season will Toby’s biggest yet, alongside taking his GCSE’s too.
As Toby said:
“I didn’t choose this fight but I chose what came next. From hospital rooms to racing lanes, from uncertainty to unstoppable drive, becoming a wheelchair racer showed me that limits are often just starting lines.”
Support from The CiaO Foundation has helped Toby continue pursuing his training and competitive ambitions. Being named a Pride of Swindon finalist recognises not only Toby’s athletic achievements, but his resilience, positivity and refusal to let adversity define him. From all of us at CiaO, huge congratulations, Toby. We are so proud to support your journey and wish you the very best of luck at the awards ceremony on 5th March. We cannot wait to see what 2026 brings for you!
