It is still possible to support the RFU Injured Players Foundation’s team of Rugby Runners here
The rugby community came together to raise almost £35,000 for the RFU Injured Players Foundation (IPF) at this year’s TCS London Marathon.
The Injured Players Foundation (IPF) is an official charity of England Rugby and supports players at any level of the game who have sustained an acute life-changing injury while playing rugby union in England.
Thankfully, such injuries are extremely rare in the sport. However, if an accident does happen, the IPF is on hand to provide wide-ranging support for the injured player and their family for life, if needed.
The Foundation also funds research to improve injury management and to reduce the risk of catastrophic injury occurring in the game.
12 Rugby Runners formed this year’s IPF marathon squad. The group included two IPF beneficiaries, friends and family of others supported by the charity and members of the rugby community who were keen to support the wider rugby family.
Hamish Minton has been supported by the Foundation since he sustained a brachial plexus injury playing for Chichester RFC in 2022, which resulted in partial paralysis of his right arm/shoulder.
Having completed the course in 4 hours and 38 minutes, the IPF member said he had loved every minute.
“It was just wicked right from the get-go in Greenwich. The atmosphere was insane, the drums, the music, the cheers from our IPF Support Squad. It was unreal, just so, so good!
“I was incredibly proud to be running for the RFU Injured Players Foundation. The IPF is such an important charity for the rugby community. It really is a godsend.
“I know how much it means first hand to receive their support. The IPF were immediately by my and my family’s side after the accident and have supported me ever since.
“The team at the IPF picked me up and put me back on my feet. They’ve been monumental in my recovery.
“My arm felt good during the run. I had my sling ready at the IPF cheer point, but I found myself not needing it.
“I was a little emotional afterwards reflecting on how far I’ve come since the injury, and that’s thanks in a huge part to the support of the IPF.”
Alastair Brace, who played many years for Kilburn Rugby Club before moving to South-West London and joining Teddington RFC, wanted to give back to the game that has given him so much.
“Rugby has been such an important part of my life for so many years,” he said: “As a rugby player, there’s no more perfect a charity I could run for.
“I personally haven’t known anyone who has sustained a life-changing injury during the 20-odd years I’ve played the sport, but I've heard of someone who has. To see what IPF support means for an individual, their family and community is so special.”
Danny Rumble, EPCR Governance and Regulations Manager and Discipline Secretary for Gloucestershire RFU, explained his connection to England Rugby’s charity saying:
“My time at the RFU made me aware of the excellent work done by the Injured Players Foundation. The IPF steps in when the unthinkable happens.
“When a life-changing injury turns a world upside down, the IPF is there supporting injured players and their families physically, emotionally, financially for the long haul. They don’t just patch people up, they rebuild lives.”
Ed Berridge has seen the impact of IPF support at his club over the past year. “Being a member of Banbury RUFC, last year’s injury to John Baker hit our rugby community hard and the IPF’s work became incredibly real for us all,” he explained.
“I know how much support JB and his whole family have received from the IPF team since.
“Rugby is a sport built on community and looking after each other and the amazing work that the IPF does embodies all of that.”
The sense of community shone throughout marathon day as IPF Director Karen Hood summarised: “Seeing everybody out in support, not just of our runners, but everybody, really shows that sense of community that our charity is all about.
“The London Marathon is one of the biggest events for the IPF in terms of its fundraising. Every single penny these runners have raised, with every step they've taken, means we can be there to provide the right sort of support for people who need it, when they need it the most.
“Donations help ensure injured players receive the care, equipment, rehabilitation and support they need to able to live independently and to remove as many barriers to their life as possible.”
Speaking about how the IPF team felt watching IPF Members complete the course, Karen said: “Everybody who runs or wheels a marathon is amazing. Hopefully, every participant feels as proud of themselves as we do at the charity.
“It’s always extra special to see IPF members out on the course and it’s a privilege to be able to play even a small role in helping them achieve and celebrate their goals.
“This year we had Hamish running for us. To be able to celebrate with his family and friends, having worked with him since his injury, makes us hugely proud and more than a little emotional.”
It is still possible to support the RFU Injured Players Foundation’s team of Rugby Runners here
