Alongside IPF beneficiaries, our squad of Rugby Runners at this year’s TCS London Marathon includes people who have seen the positive impact that IPF support can have for a teammate and their family.
Here we catch up with Matt Lee from Silhillians RUFC and Edward Berridge from Banbury RUFC.
Matt admits he’s not much of a runner, in fact the furthest he’d managed before marathon training was 8km!
However, he has put that minor detail as well as last year’s ACL reconstruction and meniscus repair surgery to one side to help players who are battling far greater challenges.
“It’s going to be a huge challenge physically and mentally,” Matt acknowledges, “but knowing that every step will help injured players makes it worth it.
“I wanted to support the IPF as I have seen first-hand the life-changing work the charity does. A member of my rugby club sustained a serious neck injury playing for us back in 2016.
“Since then, the RFU Injured Players Foundation has been by his side, providing vital support that’s helped him rebuild his life.
“With their invaluable help – and his own determination – he hasn’t just recovered; he’s given back to the game he loves and been the driving force behind our club’s most successful period.
“Seeing what he’s been able to achieve with the support of the IPF is inspiring and I want to give back to this charity that is now synonymous with my club.
“It is an honour to be able to raise money for such an incredible charity, one that is close to the game and particularly close to the heart of my rugby club.”
If you'd like to support Matt head to his fundraising page here
For Ed, it was the impact of John Baker’s injury and the care he and his family have since received from their rugby community and the Injured Players Foundation that has motivated him to run the 26 miles this month.
“As a rugby player all my life, I am actively aware of the community that rugby provides, and also the force for good that this allows,” Ed says.
“Being a member of Banbury RUFC, last year’s injury to John Baker hit our rugby community hard, but it has provided an amazing opportunity to rally together and support JB.
“The IPFs work became incredibly real for us all at Banbury when they stepped in to help. I know how much support JB and his whole family have received from the IPF team since.
If you'd like to support Ed, head to his fundraising page here
“Rugby is a sport built on community and looking after each other and the amazing work that the IPF does embodies all of that.
“Every donation helps ensure injured players receive the care, equipment, rehabilitation, and support they need to rebuild their lives.
“This is a chance to give a small bit of help to the cause! Thank you for supporting a charity that means so much.”
