Brothers Bid For Paralympic Gold With Student Ruth's Support
4 September 2012
(L-R) Peter McGuire, Carer Ruth Thomson and Stephen McGuire with their Bronze Medals after the Boccia International Tournament in Portugal. Photo credit BBC Scotland.
Being with Peter and Stephen on their Paralympic journey has been amazing, I hope that they both achieve their dreams over the next two weeks. It is such a privilege to be part of it.
”Derby student Ruth Thomson
Two members of the Paralympics GB squad will be supported by a University of Derby Occupational Therapy student as they go for Gold this week.
Masters in Occupational Therapy student Ruth Thomson, 25, has cared for and supported GB Boccia players, brothers Peter and Stephen McGuire, for the past six years as they have prepared for the Games. Ruth, who is originally from Midlothian in Scotland, even appeared alongside Peter and Stephen in BBC Scotland documentary 'Boccia Brothers' broadcast in August.
Ruth said: "Peter and Stephen both have muscular dystrophy. They took up the sport of Boccia, which is like French boules but can be played from a wheelchair, as it gave them an opportunity to play and compete in sport and pursue their long-held dreams - a Paralympic medal.
"I've loved travelling around the world with them as they've competed over the last five years in preparation for the Paralympics."
As their carer and supporter, Ruth assists Peter and Stephen in their day-to-day lives as they travel and compete, ensuring their needs are met and they are always prepared for competition. She has been staying in the Olympic Village with the brothers as they make their final preparations, and even attended the opening ceremony at their side.
Ruth became involved with the brothers through her father, Paralympics GB Boccia coach Jim Thomson, whilst completing her undergraduate studies. She decided to pursue a Masters degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Derby to formalise her experience assisting people with disabilities, and pursue a career helping people retain their independence and pursue their goals.
"Being with Peter and Stephen on their Paralympic journey has been amazing," Ruth added. "I hope that they both achieve their dreams over the next two weeks. It is such a privilege to be part of it."
Peter and Stephen made it through to the Bronze medal match of the Mixed Pairs, narrowly missing out to Canda. They will go on to compete in more events later this week,
For more information on studying Occupational Therapy at the University of Derby visit website www.derby.ac.uk/ehs
To follow the 'Boccia Brothers' as they compete visit website www.london2012.com/paralympics/boccia or for more information on the sport visit website http://gb-boccia.org
