10/01/2026
Archie is happiest when he's on a boccia court or spending time with family. At 25 years old, he lives in the west of England with his parents and younger brother, Isaac, and has built much of his life around the sport he loves. As a boccia coach, competitor and business owner, Archie spends his days helping others discover the game while continuing to pursue his own goals within the sport.
“I’m happiest playing boccia and spending time with family,” says Archie. “I’m not a big partier. I prefer nice, quiet meals out.”
Archie lives with (MPS) type IVA, also known as Morquio A syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects the body's skeletal system and can lead to complications affecting multiple organs. Diagnosed at 2 years old, he does not remember life before MPS, but he knows that receiving a diagnosis brought his family something invaluable: answers.
“When my parents were told it was MPS, it gave them a roadmap,” Archie says. “Before that, there was so much uncertainty about what life might look like. Getting the diagnosis helped them understand how to cope and what support I might need.”
As he grew older, Archie focused his energy on the things that mattered most to him. While MPS has brought challenges, including major hip replacement surgery and increased wheelchair use, he has never let those experiences define him. Instead, he has built a successful coaching business and achieved success in boccia, competing at the National Finals.
One lesson Archie wishes more people understood is that a physical disability does not change who someone is.
“Yes, I have a physical disability, but that is all it is,” he says. “People do not need to treat me differently from anybody else.”
Throughout his journey, Archie has found support not only from his family, particularly his mother, but also from the wider MPS community. Through the MPS Society UK, here for those with rare diseases, he has connected with other people living with MPS, attended conferences and built friendships with peers who understand the realities of living with a rare disease. More recently, he became an ambassador for the organization, helping to shape its future and support others in the community.
Looking ahead, Archie hopes to help grow the sport of boccia and create more opportunities for athletes around the world. He dreams of seeing the classification of boccia in which he competes – BC5 – gain international recognition, and one day hopes to play at the Paralympic Games.
He also hopes his story can help others who are just beginning their MPS journey.
“When you have a diagnosis, it helps to have a roadmap,” Archie says. “Sharing my story is about helping other people build that roadmap and demonstrating what’s possible.”