The RFU Injured Players Foundation (IPF), England Rugby’s Official charity is preparing to cheer its 26 runners on this weekend as they take on the 26.2 mile London Marathon.
The London Marathon is one of the charity’s biggest fundraising events with last year’s run raising a record £90,000 for the Foundation.
IPF Director Dr Karen Hood commented: “We are so grateful to all the runners who each train tirelessly to get round the course, never mind the additional pressure of raising money for charity. I ran the course for the IPF in 2019 and I still don’t know which element was the hardest!
“Every effort made and every penny raised is so vital as it enables us to continue to offer a unique service so our injured players can all live the life they wish to lead.”
Amongst this year’s runners are injured player Spencer Wadsworth who has already raised over £3,500 for the charity who he says ‘saved his life.’ The IPF has supported Spencer since his accident playing for Keele University in 2023 and he wants to give as much back as he can to show how much their support means. Spencer is aiming for a sub four-hour marathon, battling the course with his injured arm in a sling.
Sally Oakden is running her third (and final!) London Marathon for the IPF, a feat she says she wouldn’t do for anybody else! Her husband John is an IPF Member and Sally sees firsthand the impact of the charity’s support.
The rugby community is one like no other with many from within the game running in support of the IPF. This includes a quartet from the Allianz Stadium’s TEL team, who wanted to fundraise for a cause close to all of their hearts. Having organised an inaugural 5K around the famous stadium in January to kick start their fundraising, the quartet have already smashed their target of £7,600 providing vital funds to support the charity’s work.
Also running are one of the RFU doctors Adam Reuben and British & Irish Lions Manager Charlotte Gibbons who is able to run for the first time as she now has the time to dedicate to training.
The funds raised all go towards the provision of wide-ranging support for players, their families and friends when faced with a life-changing injury. A life-changing injury includes those which result in the loss or use of a limb, catastrophic spinal cord injuries or acute, severe traumatic brain injuries.
As part of its offering the IPF provides 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.
If you would like to support our marathon runners with a donation please click here.
