For most of his life, Colin Wagstaff has lived with severe ankle problems, undergoing more than 16 operations and facing daily pain. The impact on his physical health was enormous, but the emotional toll cut even deeper. At his lowest point, he battled depression and attempted to take his own life.
Now, Colin has stood proud on the international stage, having represented England at the International Bowls for the Disabled World Championship in South Africa last year in May 2024, a moment he describes as “the greatest and proudest” of his life.
“When I first started playing bowls, I used to play as a distraction from my disability and pain,” he says. “But as I played more and became a better bowler, my enjoyment increased. And when I found disability bowls, my life changed.”
That moment marked a turning point, not just in his sporting journey, but in his mental and emotional recovery.
“Playing bowls has made me stronger both physically and mentally,” he explains. “It gave me something to focus on and opened up so many new opportunities.”
Key to that transformation were the people who supported him along the way, from clubmates to disability bowls mentors.
“There have been lots of people who have given me encouragement and support,” he says. “But these three people are why I play and enjoy the sport of bowls.”
He names Margaret Smith MBE as the most pivotal figure in his story. “She was the reason I got into disability bowls. Overnight, she changed my life. She gave me so much confidence and understanding, and I’ve met so many great people who are now my disability bowls family.”
At a local level, he credits Eddie Owen at his outdoor club Oakham BC (Leicestershire) and Michael Lawrence at Melton Indoor BC for always being there, not just as teammates, but as listeners and friends.
In May 2024, Colin achieved something he once thought impossible, travelling abroad for the first time and wearing the England colours at a world championship.
“This has to be the greatest and proudest moment of my life so far,” he says. “Not only was it the biggest competition I’ve played in, and my second England cap, it was also the first time I’ve been on an airplane. The feeling of walking onto the green behind the England flag at the opening ceremony is a feeling I will never forget.”
Every time Colin steps onto the green now, it’s with a sense of gratitude.
“I feel lucky because I’ve found something I really enjoy and do well, mostly. I feel proud to be representing my club, county or country, and thankful that I’ve met so many great people.”
Bowls England is pleased to launch a series of open days specifically for those with a disability, working in collaboration with select clubs from across the country who are leading the way in creating inclusive spaces within our sport.