Former para athlete Leigh Skinner calls on the Gold Coast to get behind Sporting Wheelies CEO Challenge

“I’ll only get one chance – this is it”: A Gold Coast man has defied the odds ahead of his only daughter’s wedding. This is his remarkable story.

After a surgery in 2019 that left him without feeling to his legs, former Commonwealth Games para athlete Leigh Skinner was no longer able to walk.

A second lumbar spinal surgery left Mr Skinner in a wheelchair – but with his only daughter engaged to be married – Mr Skinner said “no” to his ailment.

Former Commonwealth Games para athlete Leigh Skinner has taught himself to walk again so he can walk his only daughter down the aisle this coming weekend. He is also calling on Gold Coast CEOs, Executives, Principals and Community Leaders to sign up now for the Sporting Wheelies CEO Challenge on Friday June 16th. Picture: David Clark

On Saturday the Gold Coast motivational speaker is set to walk his only daughter down the aisle at Sanctuary Cove.

“She’s dad’s little girl,” Mr Skinner said.

“This week has been emotional for all of us, but she’s so excited that I get the opportunity to walk her down the aisle.”

Mr Skinner said he had seen physios and exercise physiologist four times a week for the past four years to allow him to live out “this special component of life.”

“I’ll only get one chance – this is it,” he said.

Wanting to share that gratitude with the world, Mr Skinner is imploring Gold Coasters to take part in a challenge.

Former Commonwealth Games para athlete Leigh Skinner. Picture: David Clark

Sporting Wheelies CEO Challenge is an incentive for CEO’s, executives, community leaders and principals to get on board and into the shoes of those living with disabilities.

“We challenge the public to spend the day in a wheelchair so they get the idea of what it’s like,” Mr Skinner said.

“The public can donate, sponsor and get involved — us disabled guys really appreciate any help we can get from the public.”

Register for the June 16 challenge at fundraise.sportingwheelies.org.au