MCSI Jeanette hailed for outstanding service to wheelchair rugby

Jeanette Jones, Generic Worker on the Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries (MCSI), is celebrating after recently being awarded the Outstanding Service to Sport Award from the Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Team. 

Jeanette, who has worked at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital since 1988, spent 20 years with the GB Wheelchair Rugby Team – travelling the world alongside the team to places such as Sydney, Atlanta and Bejing at the Paralympics. 

Speaking about winning the award, Jeanette said: “I first joined the GB Wheelchair Rugby Team in the early 1990s, before finishing prior to London Paralympic Games in 2012. My role was to help the players and coaching staff with whatever they needed – it sometimes involved caring duties or supporting with equipment on the court.” 

Jeanette was invited to receive her award at the recent Wheelchair Rugby Final at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, however, she was unable to make it.  

It was then that Katy Coulson, MCSI Ward Manager, secretly arranged for GB Wheelchair Rugby Team Coach Paul Shaw to present the award to Jeanette at the annual glittering MCSI Spinal Dinner. 

She added: “I was completely shocked to receive the Outstanding Service to Sport Award - I loved my time with the team and I’m so grateful to have been selected for the award.” 

Katy said: “It’s fantastic news that Jeanette was awarded the Outstanding Service to Sport Award – all of us on MCSI are so proud. She dedicated many years of her own time to the team and truly deserves this accolade. 

“Her role on MCSI is vital in promoting independence prior to discharge. She is brilliant with our patients and valued by all. Well done, Jeanette!” 

MCSI is based at RJAH and is one of eleven designated to receive and treat spinal cord injured patients in the country, serving a catchment of North Wales, Mid Wales, South Mersey, Cheshire, and the West Midlands. 

Paul is an MCSI patient, first coming to the unit in November 1991. This was when he found his passion for wheelchair rugby – playing as part of the GB team from 1995 to 2008, before becoming Head Coach in 2013. 

He said: “I've known Jeanette since 1991, she introduced me to wheelchair rugby, and I never looked back. Over the years, she has helped me, and many others, realise life can be full even after becoming paralysed. 

“I was so proud to present Jeanette, with the Outstanding Contribution to Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Award, it was thoroughly deserved. Thank you Jeanette.”