Shannon Gates is taking on the London marathon as she raises money for the RFU Injured Players Foundation (IPF), England Rugby’s Official Charity, in memory of her very close friend Jim French.
Sussex-based Shannon took up running just over three years ago after being persuaded to sign up for a half marathon during Jim’s wake.
At the time Shannon, 32, could barely run 3 metres so taking on a run over 13 miles was fairly substantial! She ran the London Landmarks half marathon for Macmillan in 2022 in memory of Jim, who had faced cancer.
A year later she ran it again for a local charity, Pilgrim’s Hospice who had cared for him. The London marathon however had always niggled at the back of her mind, and she was keen to do more running in Jim’s memory. As a huge rugby fan, introduced to the sport by Jim, Shannon knew that running this race she would have to raise vital funds for a cause close to her and Jim’s hearts.
“Jim was a very close family friend and really supported me growing up when I got into a few scrapes!” said Shannon.
“He encouraged me to stay in school when I was a teenager and helped me get my first job and was always there for me. He is the person who introduced me to rugby, taking me along to my first game and bringing me into the rugby community, which I am so grateful for.”
Once Shannon decided she was going to enter the London Marathon, she knew it would have to be a rugby charity that she would run for. There was therefore no other option for her than the IPF. She is so drawn to the invaluable support the charity offers its members throughout their lives and its ethos to enable players to live the life they wish to lead that she couldn’t think of a better charity to honour Jim’s memory.
The IPF 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.
“I can’t think of a better charity to run for, and I know Jim would really approve of my choice, which is what it’s all about for me.
“All my runs are in memory of Jim. I wear lots of glitter, a tutu and unicorn horn as well as lots of face gems! This year I’ll be adding red hair extensions as a nod to the IPF.”
Outside of her running Shannon also runs her own company, Eqwax, making natural, plastic-free and eco-friendly products for horses and dogs in the UK. Having spent her life working with horses this was the natural next step. She also keeps herself busy looking after two of her own horses and two additional horses as well.
While horses have always been her main passion, running for Jim is swiftly taking over!
