Inspirational Islanders: Deborah and Nick Percy, Athletes

Every year at Wightlink we support a number of sporting teams and organisations with discounted travel, amongst which are some sporting families! We caught up with mother and son, Deborah and Nick Percy, to discover their favourite Island places.

Following a childhood in athletics, Deborah competed at GB Junior level and jokes that she had a ‘running start’ in life! After settling and starting a family with Andrew in Scotland, the family and their two young boys, Nick and Brogan,  relocated to the Isle of Wight in 1998 where Deborah began coaching before moving on to field and track judging. Now, she is still running, just in a very different way, managing everything from special events for disabled athletes to mainstream competitions across the Island.

Although both boys followed in their mum’s sporting footsteps, trying their hands at many athletic disciplines, Nick found his calling in throwing, specifically discus. He won a silver medal at the 2013 European Junior Championships and also represented Great Britain at the 2017 World Championships, before becoming British champion for the fifth time at the 2022 British Athletics Championships. In 2024 he achieved a lifelong dream of representing Great Britain at the Paris Olympics.

“The Island offers a unique blend of peacefulness and community spirit that makes it a wonderful place to live and work. The natural beauty, with its coastal views and green landscapes, creates a calming atmosphere, while the close-knit community fosters genuine connections. There’s a slower pace here, allowing for a better work-life balance, and the chance to make a meaningful impact locally feels rewarding. Plus, the Island’s charm and friendly neighbours make every day feel like coming home.

Compton Bay is my favourite beach because it perfectly blends rugged beauty with a sense of tranquillity. The dramatic cliffs, golden sands and clear waters make it ideal for peaceful walks or refreshing swims. The sunsets are stunning, and there’s always a feeling of escape and freedom there, away from crowds and surrounded by nature’s untouched beauty.

St. Boniface Down is my favourite place to walk because it offers breath-taking views and a peaceful escape into nature. The path winds through lush landscapes, with panoramic sights over the Island and sea that make every step worth it. There’s a wonderful sense of solitude, fresh air and the feeling of being on top of the world.

I love visiting Bonchurch because it feels like stepping into a hidden, timeless world. The quaint cottages, winding lanes and peaceful pond give it a unique charm, while the sea views and surroundings create a perfect retreat. It’s a place full of character, history and calm, inviting you to slow down and savour the moment.

Being sponsored by Wightlink allows me to give back to the organisations I support through officiating, especially small disability groups. This support enables these groups to focus on their athletes without added financial pressure, helping them continue their important work without worry. It’s incredibly rewarding to contribute to their success, knowing they can thrive with one less burden.”

“The pace of the Island is a little slower than the rest of the world, you can appreciate so much more here and it is such a beautiful place to live. I have lived on the Island, in America and Sweden, and to me, the Island is the best place out of all three which is exactly why I came back.

I love Ventnor Beach. It’s a little pocket community and the beach, no matter the time of year, is stunning. From the Boxing Day Swim to the peak of summer it is always well-maintained and looks inviting for all.

If I want to stretch my legs, I head to Ventnor Downs. The sea view, the near uninterrupted view across the whole Island and the wildlife up there, are just stunning. As a family, we have taken people from other countries and the mainland there and they cannot believe how breath-taking it is.

I would have to say my favourite place is Ventnor Beach again. The people and the view are just calming and stunning.

Without Wightlink’s sponsorship I wouldn’t have been able to go to so many competitions and achieve the level of sport I have so far. They are one of the main reasons for me making it to the Olympic Games. They have supported me for the last 12 years and I cannot say thank you enough for believing in me and allowing me time to develop to where I am now.”

ℹ️ To find out more, visit our Community Sponsorship pages or stay updated on Facebook.