While many of us might take it for granted that we can go on a zipline or ride a bike, this isn’t the case for everyone.  

For members of the RFU Injured Players Foundation (IPF), the activity week was a chance to do things that they wouldn’t normally have opportunity to do and to enjoy a sense of adventure and adrenaline-fuelled challenges in a team environment. 

Activities such as rock climbing, canoeing and abseiling are all available at Bendrigg but have been made more accessible to people with disabilities.  

IPF members visited the centre with their families and enjoyed a memorable five days catching up with old friends, introduced through the IPF, and making new friends.  

“I got to do stuff with my son, which usually I am on the sidelines watching,” said IPF member Ross.  

“The chance to do these things together with him is amazing. 

“One of the big takeaways is that everybody at the end of the day at Bendrigg feels better. 

“They’re smiling, they’re happy, they’re laughing. They’ve had a good time.” 

The IPF is England Rugby’s official charity and offers support to rugby players who have sustained life-changing injuries while playing rugby union in England, specifically those injuries which result in the loss of or loss of use of a limb, catastrophic spinal cord injuries or acute severe traumatic brain injuries which result in permanent functional disability.     

Alongside practical and financial support such as funding additional rehabilitation, housing adaptations and specialist equipment, experiences such as Bendrigg are a significant part of the support the IPF provides.  

Like accessible skiing and watersports events organised by the IPF, the activity week is part of the IPF’s Engage Programme which aims to help players build independence and confidence while overcoming challenges and benefiting from peer support. 

The thrill of getting involved in these activities isn’t lost on the participants, after all, they are rugby players.  

“As a rugby player, we’ve all got that little bit in our heads where we like to do those things, we like to test ourselves,” said Amy, another IPF member.  

“This is one of those times where you can test yourself, but in a safe space.” 

Not only does it give members an enjoyable experience, but it also builds their confidence by demonstrating that there are many things they can do.  

“Some of the clients are ready to throw themselves into everything, but some people are a little bit hesitant,” said Karen Neale, IPF client services officer. 

“But seeing everybody else do it and really enjoy it, they want to have a go as well. It’s not about what you can’t do, it’s about what you can still do. 

“Something like this is a stepping stone to what they can go on and do.  

“It really motivates them to think ‘what next?’”