Former rugby player Liam O’Keeffe will attempt to become the first person with tetraplegia to push himself up Mount Kilimanjaro in a specially adapted mountain trike in October this year, as he aims to raise £50,000 for the RFU Injured Players Foundation (IPF).
The former Bristol Bears Academy player will scale the mountain almost a decade after sustaining an injury playing for St Mary’s Old Boys in Bristol, which left him paralysed from the chest down with minimal movement in one arm.
“Within 24 hours of my accident the IPF were by my bedside and have been supporting me ever since,” he commented.
“They provided access to additional rehabilitation for me – I went from having five or six hours of rehab a week in hospital to five or six hours a day at the clinic where the IPF secured me a space. That made such a huge difference to my fitness and recovery and without doubt set me on the path to where I am today.
“They also funded extra rehabilitation services for me ahead of the birth of my son, so I could improve the dexterity in my hands, which meant I was able to help change nappies and feed him. These may be small things to most people but to me they were massive, and I am just so grateful.”
The IPF is England Rugby’s official charity and supports 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.
Alongside the rehabilitation support the IPF also worked with Liam on providing adaptations to his home including a new kitchen and wet room to enable him to regain his independence.
“When I eventually got home from hospital, I had a number of nurses and carers coming in to support me on a daily basis. But the IPF worked with me to show me I could do those things myself and that I could live an independent life again. Over time I learnt to manage without the additional help which has been brilliant for my mental and physical health.”
The IPF also encourages and supports players back into work or education by reducing the barriers to employment through the offering of vocational rehab, physical and mental support to address challenges to changing roles, costs of training programmes or even adaptations to offices. 76% of the IPF’s members are employed or in voluntary roles or education – compared to a national average employment of 37% for those with spinal cord injuries.
“I had gained my electrician qualification before my accident,” continued Liam. “But it was the IPF who encouraged me to use it and get back into work. I now have a full-time job as an electrical assessor at a college in Bristol and my employer is so supportive.
“Without the IPF I don’t know where I would be. They have shown me I can live the life I want to lead and have supported me every step of the way to achieve that. I’m just so grateful to them and this climb is just my way of showing my appreciation for all they have done so they can continue their great work to support other players.”
Over the course of the next six months Liam will embark on a series of events to raise the vital funds for the charity alongside a gruelling training schedule as well as work and family life! He has climbed Pen Y Fan twice already and has more climbs up the mountain planned along with ascents up Sugar Loaf in Wales, the Welsh Three Peaks and the Brecon four peaks. He is already pushing himself for up to nine hours a week as part of his training and that will build as the climb gets closer along with some altitude training. Working with a personal trainer Liam is ensuring he is as prepared as possible for what lies ahead.
“I started working with a personal trainer to keep me on track and make sure I had a fitness plan all set out. This climb has been something I have been inspired to do since 2022, so I want to make sure I am as prepared as possible come October.”
On the fundraising front Liam has two rugby tournaments planned, including a VETS event and music afternoon on May 31st at St Mary’s Old Boys as well as the Sandy Mitchell Bristol Combination Rugby 10s event at Lockleaze Sports Centre on August 9th. He is also hosting a fundraising dinner complete with auction and raffle on June 7th in Bristol.
To support Liam’s challenge, visit his fundraising page here or follow his journey on Instagram @ck4ipf.
Watch Liam’s story so far. [credit Harry Galliano]
