Sally Oakden, wife of IPF Member John, is running her third London marathon for the RFU Injured Players Foundation (IPF).
“I wouldn’t do a marathon for anybody other than the IPF,” she commented. “I just wouldn’t be able to put all this effort in for anyone else!”
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. These injuries substantially alter how a player lives their life, reducing their independence and, in some cases, rendering them completely reliant on somebody else to help with day-to-day tasks and decision making. The impact is felt not only by the individual, but also their family and friends in a number of ways.
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.
Completing her first marathon in 2019 and her second in 2021, Sally, 46, is running her final marathon this year and says it feels that doing her third is definitely full circle.
“I know I say this every time, but I’m not sure I’ll do another one; I really feel that this is my last time,” she continued.
Sally manages a condition called Hypermobile Elhers-Danlos syndrome, which makes running and physical activity extremely difficult. But for her the benefits of running far outweigh the risks of her condition and the drive of raising money for the IPF spurs her on.
“I get to see the other side of the IPF and all the support they give to players and their families. When we moved to Cambridgeshire from the Lakes, we bought a bungalow with enough land to run our businesses, but we had a gravel drive and a small step up to the front door. Through the IPF we were able to change the gravel to tarmac and put in a slope so John could actually get into his house in his wheelchair.
“We were also able to reconfigure the house to put in a wet room for John and make our bedroom bigger so John could fit his wheelchair in there. We’ve been able to put patio doors in with a ramp directly to the garden so John can access the garden directly from the house, something that I used to take for granted.
“As we live on a farm the IPF also supported with the purchase of an off-road three-wheel buggy for John, which means he can access all areas of the farm independently and take the dogs for a walk on his own, which has been invaluable for him.”
Sally and John own four horses, including two highland ponies and two thoroughbreds and they also rent out their land to other horse owners with Sally overseeing this area of the business. Originally from the Isle of Skye, Sally used to compete, and she now works with her son, Ben on his eventing career. With access to his off-road buggy John is also able to join them as they train and prepare Ben and the horses. None of which would be possible without the IPF’s unwavering support.
