When he first left hospital after a spinal cord injury in a snowboarding accident just before the pandemic period in 2020, Laurence Ball wondered what the future would hold, but since then the question has become more ‘How do I fit it all in?’.

Since first linking up with the Foundation, ‘Loz’ has enjoyed sporting success and increased his independence with a return to work in the construction industry while also being dad to a young family.

He enjoyed a phenomenal season in 2022/23 as a Leicester Tigers Wheelchair Rugby Team player with title wins in the Premiership 4s and 5s as well as a European tournament, and also joined the GB Talent Pathway.

“The rugby is fun and it’s good to be around similar-minded people, and to be part of a team,” he says. “I’m very competitive and can push myself so much more if competing with someone. I’ve always been like that.

“I’ve always played sport competitively, and it was something missing before I got into this. You need a lot of experience in this game, it’s really tactical. It’s also going to take time to get stronger and quicker, which I’ve been working on, then it’s just getting more time in the rugby chair really.”

Loz acknowledges the Foundation’s role in helping on and off court since his injury. “I left hospital with no physio referrals and you go home and think ‘What do I do now?’ I started going to the Centre for physio and training, and I definitely wouldn’t be in this position without them.

“The first thing the team helped to give me was independence, which is massive for me, to be able to take my two daughters on the school run and take them out by myself – they’re only young once so you have to make the most of it – and also go back to work.

“I owe a lot to the Foundation for their ongoing support and am thankful that I’m lucky enough to have them in my corner.”