Joe Townsend, a paratriathlete and based in Eastbourne, represented Great Britain at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and has won European and world medals, and became Commonwealth champion this year.
Joe did much of his initial rehabilitation into sport at the university’s facilities in Eastbourne where he received free access and also sports science support.
He was one of the Sussex-based sports stars to have their efforts and achievements recognised in the 2018 Sussex Sports Awards.
Held at The Grand Hotel, this year’s event received a record number of nominations from across the county. The black-tie gala dinner, organised by Active Sussex, welcomed special guest and co-host, Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards.
Joe Townsend was not able to attend the event due to illness and the award, presented by University of Brighton Interim Head of Sport, John Hill, was collected by his mother Debbie Bareham and aunt Helen Carter.
Debbie Bareham (Joe’s mother) left, Helen Carter (Joe’s aunt) and University of Brighton Interim Head of Sport, John Hill, who presented the award