MASSIVE YEAR TO TAKE MATT HAMPSON FOUNDATION FORWARD
November 2024 marks the beginning of a momentous year for Matt Hampson OBE and the Foundation he created to support young people after life-changing injury.
As a young rugby player, Matt was paralysed from the neck down and breathing through a ventilator following an accident in training with England Under-21s in 2005. But rather than lament what he had lost, he decided to ‘get busy living’ and, as he continued his recovery, created the Matt Hampson Foundation as a charity to help others.
The ‘get busy living’ mantra continues to drive the Foundation’s work in developing skills, confidence and opportunities for young people on a journey from serious injury towards a return to education, employment or sport, or in adjusting to their new life.
The Get Busy Living Centre, opened in 2018, provides a base for physical, emotional and wellbeing support and, after already touching the lives of hundreds of young people, Matt is now aiming to extend this facility during a period which includes two significant dates.
On 29th November, Matt celebrates his 40th birthday and next March will mark 20 years since the moment which almost cost him his life but also changed its course and impact forever.
A full programme of events will be in place for a special year which includes the Foundation’s selection as an official charity partner of the British & Irish Lions for the squad’s tour to Australia.
In April, a team of beneficiaries and fundraisers participate in the London Marathon, including friends made through sponsorship of previous events and members of the NHS who have witnessed the team’s work at the Centre. A golf day at The Belfry and a summer ball are among other milestones and one supporter is planning a sponsored solo cycle across Europe to raise funds and awareness.
“The Get Busy Living Centre is a unique facility which has come to symbolise everything that is good about the Foundation and our values of family, community and teamwork,” said Matt.
“Extending the Centre is our biggest project since it opened and will require significant financial investment, but I know we’ll get there.
“We’re very proud of the Foundation and our beneficiaries, but there is always more we can do and more people to help. Our plans for 2025 will allow us to reach more young people and show them they can live exciting and fulfilling lives after serious injury.”
Seeing Matt’s plans come to fruition would be the best possible present for a special year and a JustGiving page has been created to support the goal of transforming the Get Busy Living Centre. You can add your support by clicking here Matts Big 40! – JustGiving
