AS she steps out onto the ice in her emerald-green skating costume, Clare Hodgson is understandably nervous after spending months on the sidelines due to injury. But, within seconds, she’s smiling and gliding across the shimmering surface like the champion she’s become.
“This is where I feel at peace,” says Clare. “Skating gives my brain a holiday. It’s a time when I don’t think about anything else. The sensory feeling of gliding is so nice – I can forget my mental and physical challenges when I’m on the ice.”
Clare, 28, is back training at Billingham Forum Ice Arena, the popular Teesside venue that’s been her platform to become a double Inclusive Skating world champion.
Her story is so inspirational that Tees Active, the charitable trust that runs the ice arena for Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, has included her in ‘Reflections’ – a YouTube documentary series aimed at encouraging others to participate in sport.
“Clare’s journey is truly inspiring,” says Leon Jones, Tees Active’s managing director. “Her determination shows how physical activity can help people go beyond what they think is possible. We’re incredibly proud to have supported her journey and to see how skating has played such a positive role in her life and achievements.”
Born in Keighley, Clare grew up in Harrogate where her physical and mental health challenges led to bullying at school.
She discovered ice skating when she chose Bradford Ice Rink as the venue for her 15th birthday party. “My sister, Lucy, had been there for a party and thought I might like it,” recalls Clare. “I’d been doing ballet since I was eight and there were similarities to skating. I fell in love with it straight away.”
Clare started going for lessons with a friend, completed all her levels, and moved on to private lessons with a coach.
In 2018, she moved with her family to Thornton-le-Moor, between Northallerton and Thirsk, but initially carried on travelling to Bradford Ice Rink.
At 18, she was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and her health continued to deteriorate during her time at The University of Leeds, where she studied geological science.
She graduated in 2020 but she found she was able to do less and less, so her plans to start a career were put on hold.
At the same time, the Covid pandemic struck, and ice rinks around the country became part of the lockdown. Clare’s coach retired, and the sudden changes contributed to a mental breakdown. With new medication causing Clare to gain seven stones, her physical challenges also grew.
When the rinks reopened in 2021, Clare switched to Billingham Forum Ice Arena, which was closer to her home in North Yorkshire, and teamed up with a new coach, Claire Johnson.
Finally, in mid-2023, after numerous medical assessments, Clare was diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), a connective tissue disorder affecting all her joints and organs.
She was also diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTs) and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).
“After months of struggling to get my head round it all, I decided to focus on something that I could still do on my good days – skating,” she says.
With the encouragement of her new coach, and the skating community at Billingham Forum, Clare discovered she could compete in Inclusive Skating.
She was too nervous to compete in-person at first, so she took part in virtual competitions, judged by videos of her performing. But, as her confidence grew, she moved on to competing in-person. “I discovered how friendly the skating community is. They made me feel part of it all, and I haven’t looked back,” she says.
Her achievements, so far, make impressive reading:
“My coach, Claire, is incredibly kind, understanding and patient, and she’s taken the time to research my conditions,” says Clare.
“She makes reasonable adjustments, like turning the music down if it’s too loud. She finds different ways to work with me, going at a slower pace, and she’s a real calming influence. I really think ice skating has helped my mobility and kept me going.”
Tees Active support has included enrolling Clare in its academy to discount the cost of lessons and training. She’s also seeking sponsors to help her keep competing.
“Because I can’t work, I have no source of income, so the financial support is so important. But it also means a lot that Tees Active has shown a genuine interest in my story. They made me feel that they were proud of me,” adds Clare, who trains twice a week.
“It’s a lovely rink, and Billingham Ice Skating Club is also right behind me. I feel so supported, and I’ve made friends for life.
“Everyone says hello and it’s so friendly. Billingham Forum has become a second home.”
Yet again, it hasn’t been the easiest start to the year for Clare. She twisted a knee, ironically, by slipping on black ice on the drive at home. Then, she suffered further injuries in a fall while training in March.
However, she’s determined to bid for more medals at the In-Person World Championships in October, and the Virtual World Championships in November. One day, she’d like to compete at the Paralympics, though Inclusive Skating isn’t yet part of the programme.
In the meantime, she plans to go on raising awareness of her conditions, and inspiring others to aim high.
“I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved so far, and I hope my story will show that skating is for everyone – no matter what obstacles are in the way,” she says.
Find out more about how Tees Active are working with partners to drive positive change in the community.
