Matt Hampson Trust - Leicester Tigers Rugby

Matt Hampson is a Leicester Tigers Rugby prop forward, who suffered a spinal cord injury whilst at England U-21 training in March 2005 following a collapsed scrum in what Matt described as "a freak accident". Matt suffered a dislocation in his neck which had trapped his spinal cord. It has left him paralyzed from the neck down and unable to breath without the use of a ventilator, an injury not unlike that of Christopher Reeve. Matt returned home in early August 2006, after spending 17 months recovering from his injuries at Stoke Mandeville Hospital.

Matt is positive in his attitude, and is taking on different roles as he tries to regain his independence. He is now writing a column for the Leicester Mercury’s Sporting Green, assistingt with coaching at Oakham rugby club and he hopes to one day contribute heavily to finding a cure for spinal cord injuries.

The Matt Hampson Trust Fund

A substatial fundraising effort has taken place both within and outside the rugby union community since Matt's tragic injury - which Matt and his family have expressed their gratitude and even surprise. If Matt is to continue to make progress in regaining his quality of life, he will need our support for many years to come.

Matt requires financial support at an estimated £8 million over his lifetime for care and equipment costs. The rugby union community have grouped together, and reacted by auctioning off sports memorabilia and holding special benefit matches. Both the senior England and Scotland teams kindly donated their rugby shirts from their senior 2005 Six Nations match.

On 28 May 2007 a charity match titled the 'Matt Hampson Bowl' was played between the Loughborough Aces college American Football team, and the Leicester Panthers American football team, with all proceeds bieng donated to the Matt Hampson Trust. The Panthers, who featured many former players including former England Rugby captain Martin Johnson ran out 20-3 winners.

Charity Events - Past, Present and Future

The Matt Hampson Bowl - May 2007

An overwhelming grand total of £43,000 has been raised from the Matt Hampson Bowl game for the Matt Hampson Trust. We would like to say a heart-felt thankyou to everyone for their generosity and help in supporting the Panthers throughout the six months it took from conception to completion of this amazing chartity match.

Special thanks must go to the Leicester Tigers for allowing the game to be played at Welford Road and for being so helpful throughout. The game could not have gone ahead without the participation of the Loughborough Aces who, from the beginning, were so enthusiastic and supportive. We would also like to thank all of the supporters who turned out to watch the game on a filthy bank holiday Monday.

Special thanks must go to Dave and Julia Hagger, Rex Harrison, Graham and Sue Harris without who's selfless dedication, there would not have been a game.

Last but not least, to all of my players and coaches (and wives and partners) for their dedication in what at times was a long six months of training. The older bodies might not function quite so well as they did twelve years ago, but I know that we wouldn't have missed it for the world.

Once a Leicester Panther always a Leicester Panther!

Kev Scott - Head Coach Retired

Kilworth House Hotel Dinner

Matt Hampson was the guest of honour at a charity fundraising dinner in aid of the Matt Hampson Trust Fund. Among the A list crowd of players and supporters were four 2003 World Cup winners: Captain, Martin Johnson; England Captain, Martin Corry; Ben Kay; and Steve Thompson.

Following an excellent dinner, everyone was entertained by a question-and-answer game in which the World Cup heroes revealed the personal stories behind their 2003 success. The event raised a magnificent £36,000 for the Matt Hampson Trust Fund.

Oakham Rugby Football Club Charity Match

A grand total of £4274.66 has been raised for the Matt Hampson trust by Mini, Junior ans Senior players, parents and vice-presidents of ORFC. Well done to everyone for all their hard work.

Matt Hampson Black Tie Dinner - Dean Close School, Gloucestershire.

We would Like to say a special thankyou to everyone who attended our first event at Dean Close School in aid of The Matt Hampson trust. We raised a stunning £35,000 in all, so thankyou every one for your support.
Thanks Alan Lamb.

The Professional Rugby Players Association

Matt Hampson was awarded the Andy Blyth Spirit Award at the 2006 PRA Rugby Players' Awards. The PRA has kindly donated £10,000 to The Matt Hampson Trust Fund set up to aid Matt with ongoing medical costs.

Harlequin Rugby Charity Dinner

Well done and a big thankyou to all who supported and helped in the Matt Hampson Dinner on the 6th April at the London Marriott Grosvenor Square.

Not only was it a night to remember for Matt and his Family and Friends but all those who attended agreed it was a great success.

Approximately £135,000 was raised on the night and on behalf of the organisers Harlequin Events and Matt himself, thank you to all those who not only donated items for the auction and the raffle but for those who so generously bid.

Matt Hampson launches myspine.org

Matt Hampson has joined sporting celebrities to help launch MySpine.org, a social networking site for individuals who have had their lives affected by a spinal cord injury.

To make a donation to the Matt Hampson Trust

If you would like to raise money for the Matt Hampson Trust, cheques can be made out to the Matt Hampson Trust Fund and posted to Leicester Tigers, Aylestone Road, LE2 7TR.
If you would like more information, please email mht@tigers.co.uk

Links

Matt Hampson