IPF Member Spencer Wadsworth is running the London Marathon and the London Landmarks Half Marathon in support of the charity that he says “saved his life” - the RFU Injured Players Foundation (IPF).

Hailing from Coventry in the West Midlands, Spencer had played rugby his entire life, playing full back for his school and local club, Old Laurentians as well as being on the Worcester Development Academy. He joined the rugby team at Keele University, where he went to study biomedical science and in his third game for the team, in October 2023, against Lancaster, he sustained an injury to his right shoulder resulting in permanent paralysis of the right arm and hand. This was caused by a total avulsion in three of the five brachial plexus nerves (where the nerve roots are torn away from the spinal cord), a partial avulsion in one and one remains intact.  

“I couldn’t feel my arm at all,” commented Spencer as he reflected on that time. “I couldn’t feel my fingers or make any signals or move my arm in anyway. 

“I went to hospital straight away and spent a long time in Lancaster. But the whole time I was there I was convinced I would get better or that I would be fine post-surgery. It was only when I met the specialist, and he told me that it was life-changing and really serious did I fully accept what had happened. 

“I broke down when I told my parents and really struggled to come to terms with it. I was very angry for a long time and not very pleasant or fun to be around. I spent a lot of time going out trying to prove to everyone and myself that I was still the same. 

“The pain was so excruciating that I was on a lot of drugs. It got to the point where I had filed down some of my teeth as I was constantly biting on them to cope with the pain. But the cocktail of drugs made my mood worse, so I decided to come off them to see how I could cope.” 

Spencer underwent another surgery to offer some relief to the pain and thankfully it is now managed to the extent that he can cope without any medication. He has physiotherapy sessions in London every three months and he sees his specialist every six months as part of his ongoing therapy. 

He was introduced to the IPF while he was on his rehabilitation journey. The charity offered him and his family financial support for their travel to visit Spencer in hospital and emotional support through the Engage programme, which aims to empower players to lead the lives they wish to lead. 

The IPF is the official charity of England Rugby. They support players who have sustained a life-changing injury whilst playing rugby union in England. Life-changing injuries include those which result in the loss or use of a limb, catastrophic spinal cord injuries or acute, severe traumatic brain injuries.  

As a charity the IPF offers wide-ranging support for players, their families and friends when faced with a life-changing injury. This can include immediate support in hospital ensuring access to the most appropriate medical care as well as emotional, practical and financial assistance, enabling families to focus on supporting their loved one. The IPF is committed to being there for life, or for as long as the player needs. The whole support package is provided to ensure every player has choice, control and is empowered to live the life they wish to lead.  

The Foundation always puts the player at the centre of this support, with consideration for the unique barriers they may face to achieving their goals and the un-met needs they may be experiencing.    

“The IPF basically saved my life,” continued Spencer. “They made me realise I wasn’t alone and through some of the events I’ve been lucky enough to attend I’ve met some amazing people. John Burgess, the IPF Welfare Officer visited me when I was in a really bad place. He really helped me realise that this isn’t the end, it’s just a different beginning.” 

As Spencer underwent his rehabilitation, he decided he wanted to challenge himself and the best way for him to do that was to take on a marathon.  He mentioned his plan to John Burgess who offered to help him, and it just snowballed from there.  

As well as running the full London marathon in support of the IPF to recognise them for what they did for him, Spencer will also take on the London Landmarks half marathon three weeks before as a warm up race. He runs with his arm in a sling to keep it secure and was even training up the mountains during the IPF’s ski trip to Andorra in January 2025 as part of the Engage Programme. 

In October 2024, Spencer returned to Keele University re-starting his first year. While he is in halls this year, to give him the additional help if it’s needed, he will live out with the rugby lads next year. He is now taking his coaching qualification badges so he can coach the rugby team and he’s applying to be their social secretary for next season. As he says, it’s not the end; just a different beginning.