It takes determination to win gold medals and Tom Aggar, Paralympic rower and Links of London ambassador, is more aware of this than others. But he hasn’t done it alone – despite the training and hard work he also knows without key people in his life to motivate him he wouldn’t have achieved as many successes.

When faced with adversity, Paralympian Tom Aggar turned to a core group of family and friends. His parents, wife, trainer and brother have all played vital roles when it comes to encouraging and inspiring him in his rowing career.

Here he recounts how his friends and family have influenced him and why he attributes his achievements, including 5 gold medals, to their support and encouragement.

Tom is supporting Links of London’s ‘Circle of 5’ campaign, which suggests we rely on a core group of 5 people to be successful.