Helen Bartlett wants everyone to know about the RFU Injured Players Foundation (IPF) because of her family’s “massively positive” experience after her son, Harry, sustained a life-changing injury on the rugby pitch.
“I didn’t know the charity existed, but since Harry’s freak accident captaining his university team their support has been unbelievable,” she says.
An IPF welfare officer swung into action straight away and “It was like going through it all with a friend but one who really understood and had the experience needed.”
While Harry had two operations, and spent 35 days in intensive care, for part of that time in an induced coma having contracted pneumonia, the IPF funded travel, locally rented accommodation and were in constant touch with Helen and his family. As he began to recover, they funded additional specialist rehab and a Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) device which uses electrical impulses to help with walking.
About to be 22, Harry returned to Liverpool University this term for the third year of his Business Economics degree. The captain of the university’s first XV at the time of his injury, he’s a determined young man, who pushed for answers from his medics throughout, threw himself into rehab and is now off crutches.
He’s still very much part of his university team, sometimes helping out, watching matches and sharing accommodation with his rugby friends.
“On 3 December 2025, I was playing fly half against Sheffield away,” says Harry. “They had a scrum near the halfway line and, as the scrum broke down, their Number 8 then ran with the ball. I had to make the tackle, but I got my head on the wrong side. It was a freak accident.”
He has made good progress since leaving hospital and this weekend, he’ll be in the IPF hospitality box at Allianz Stadium with some of his rugby mates watching England.
Rugby friends visited him throughout his time in hospital and Harry was delighted to see Sir Kevin Sinfield who dropped in to check on his progress. Harry also wanted to spread awareness of the IPF and support they can provide, posting his experience on Instagram and getting five million views. People wishing him well included Bear Grylls.
“I wanted to spread awareness to the rugby and wider community,” says Harry. “I’m limited on my left side but can get around without my FES unless I’m out and about. I don’t know how much better it will get, but my right side is fully functional and when I’ve completed my degree, I want to go travelling.”
Having grown up playing for Brackley RFC in Northamptonshire, Harry joined Daventry for pre-season training before heading to university. When they heard of his injury the club set up a Just Giving page and also fundraised to help Harry and his family.
“Rugby is still important to me,” says Harry. “And one of my 19-year-old twin brothers still plays.
“My rugby friends were so supportive, visiting me all the time which really helps when you’re feeling low. Then the wider rugby community kicked in. Seeing Kevin Sinfield was amazing, as was getting messages from famous players and other university teams.”
Mum Helen, who worked in events, has now found employment the Spinal Injuries Association.
“We have been so very lucky to have the IPF support and have seen the reality of other people who have no one to advocate for them. So, to be able to now work in an organisation supporting the wider SCI population really struck a chord with me.
“Harry returning to university was a big thing. He has been so determined and positive and still wants to live a full life, which I have no doubt he will do.”
For Harry, rugby teammates are still “a big part of my friendship group and I know the IPF will always be there to offer support. I feel very comfortable asking because they have been there for us from the start and stress that they will be there for the rest of my life.”
