MATT RECEIVES RUGBY MEDIA ACCOLADE
Matt Hampson has been honoured by rugby journalists for his contribution to the sport.
Twenty years on from the injury which changed his life and its impact on others, Matt was presented with the Investec Special Award at the Rugby Union Writers Club annual dinner.
Matt was just 20 years old when he was paralysed from the neck down following an accident during training with the England Under-20 squad but vowed to ‘get busy living’ and created his Foundation to help others. In 2018 he established the Get Busy Living Centre near Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire to provide physical and emotional support for other young people and their families following serious injury.
The Foundation welcomes beneficiaries from all sporting backgrounds but retains strong links at many levels of rugby and this year is an official charity partner of the British & Irish Lions.
Presented with the award to a standing ovation from 450 guests at the writers’ biggest-ever dinner event, Matt said: “When I had my accident, I really struggled to find a reason why this happened to me. But I understand now. Every time I go up the driveway to the Get Busy Living Centre I understand that this is why it happened, to help other people.
“I try to find a purpose again and live by my mantra of ‘get busy living’. There were really difficult times for me and my family but now life is good and very fulfilling in so many ways.
“It is great to be here and see so many familiar faces today. Rugby is a very intimate sport and we support each other and look after our own. At the Foundation, we have very simple values that we take inspiration from rugby and they are ‘family, teamwork and community’.”
Previous recipients of the Investec Special Award include Jason Leonard, Brian O’Driscoll, Doddie Weir, Kevin Sinfield, former British & Irish Lions coaches Sir Ian McGeechan, Sir Clive Woodward and Warren Gatland, and international referees Wayne Barnes and Nigel Owens.
