2025 World Mental Health Day – John Wardrope Q&A

To mark World Mental Health Day 2025, we are highlighting the inspiring story of Scottish international para bowler John Wardrope from Ayr Seafield Bowling Club.

John has represented Scotland on the international stage on numerous occasions but has recently suffered a difficult period in his life, battling the effects of his Crohn’s disease, Epilepsy and Cerebral Palsy, ultimately having to stop bowling completely for a few years.

However, with the support of his Scotland teammates, friends, family and his own inner strength, in 2025, John finally made his return to the bowling green. This was a massive milestone for John as bowls is his passion and brings huge benefits to his mental wellbeing, enabling physical exercise and social interactions with friends, club members and teammates.

Not only did John get back on the bowling green at Ayr Seafield Bowling Club, but he also returned to competing at a high level, achieving international selection for Scotland for the first time since 2022. John would be an integral part of the Scottish team that travelled to Royal Leamington Spa Bowling Club to win this year’s Para Home Nations against England, Ireland and Wales for the second year running. This was a defining moment for John after showing true grit and determination to overcome the trials and tribulations that life has brought his way over the last few years.

We spoke to John to find out more about his journey. Read the full Q&A below:

Q1. When and how did your bowls journey begin?

JW: “Well, in 2009 I was invited to a Scottish Disability Sport talent identification day and won the carpet bowls event. Richard Brickley MBE recommended I join my local bowls club which was Wattfield Bowling Club in Ayr where I learned how to bowl.

“I spent three years there, then in 2012 I moved to Seafield Bowling Club and never looked back, both clubs supported me as a disabled athlete, I can't thank them enough. I was also coached by Bob Dick MBE at the start of my bowls journey, who had a massive influence on my game.

“Playing in mainstream bowls has probably helped me become a really good bowler within the para bowls team for Scotland.”

Q2. What’s your favourite thing about playing bowls?

JW: “Bowls has probably made me more confident. Going out myself, meeting new people and being part of a club makes me feel involved. Being out in fresh air as Seafield Bowling Club is near Ayr sea front so I can smell the shore, it’s a great setting.

“Also, in bowls there is not just singles play, with pairs, triples and fours there is a team game for all abilities in life.”

Q3. Tell us about the journey you have been on over the last few years and the challenges you have overcome to get back on the bowling green?

JW: “My journey over the past few years been difficult as I have Crohn’s disease, Epilepsy and Cerebral Palsy. I struggled with a stricture in my bowel, and I had to rest and give up the game I love the most.

“My Scotland teammates Robert Barr, Garry Brown, Sarah Jane Ewing and all the rest of the team supported me right through my difficult times, as did my life carer and mum, Margaret Wardrope.

“I waited for treatment which took a long time, I nearly lost my bowel which possibly meant never bowling again, which was the hardest news I had to take. 

“In late 2025, I got back bowling. I played in all the podium events and progressed through to the Assessment Weekend and made the Scotland squad for this year’s Para Home Nations and Atlantic International Challenge. A dream come true.”

Q4. You were part of the Scotland team that won the 2025 Para Home Nations. What did it mean to you to pull on the Scotland jersey again?

JW: “It was an honour and privilege to put the Scotland jersey back on again, especially leading the team out as flag bearer. Winning my singles match, my first singles for Scotland in four years, and going on to win the series as gold medal winners was amazing.

“I've done myself and my mum proud, which is the best feeling on a bowling green. Massive thanks to Amanda Easson on giving me the opportunity and believing in me.”

Q5. How does bowls positively support your mental wellbeing?

JW: “Bowls has had a positive impact on my mental health by giving me a focus in life. When I play bowls, I can forget about lifes struggles and my disability and conditions.

“Whether it's para bowls or at my club which I love because I'm able to compete with Seafield’s members. I think the best thing you can do in life is play outdoor bowls in the fresh air and sunny conditions.”

Q6. What would you say to encourage more people to try the sport?

JW: “Get bowling, find your local club on the Bowls Scotland website and they will be able to help you. No matter your age or ability, that's beauty of bowls you can start at age of six and play until you are 80 years old. 

“Bowls has changed my life completely, especially playing in the Scotland squad.”

A massive thanks to John for taking the time to talk to us and share his amazing story.

If you’ve been inspired by John’s story, you can find your local bowling club using our Club Finder Map. Coloured pins denote our Try Bowls and BowlsMark clubs which both offer open and inclusive events and opportunities to try the sport throughout the season.