MATT’S STORY IN THE MEDIA SPOTLIGHT
This has been a big month for Matt Hampson and his Foundation, marking 20 years since the injury which changed his life for ever and its impact on others as well as inspiring its big plans for the future.
Matt and many of the team and beneficiaries have been featured in the media during March, talking about the Foundation’s work with young people following life-changing injury and the desire to extend the Get Busy Living Centre to continue that good work with many more of them as well as their families and friends.
While an understandably emotional point in time for anyone close to Matt, the 20-year landmark also provides an opportunity to look closely at what he and his Foundation have achieved.
The Get Busy Living Centre was officially opened by patron Mike Tindall in 2018 near Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire, when half a dozen beneficiaries were initially welcomed through its doors.
This week, just six years on, there were 70 beneficiary visits.
The Foundation provides physical and emotional support including specialist physiotherapy, sports therapy, gym, wellbeing, counselling, mentorship, yoga and practical skills advice, and there is now overnight accommodation available at the Centre for beneficiaries.
“It is half a lifetime now since my accident,” said Matt, who celebrated his 40th birthday in November 2024.
“I had amazing support right from the start and because we had that momentum, I wanted to set up a foundation to help other people who are not so fortunate following life-changing injury. It all went from there.
“At a challenging time in their lives, we want people to know that there is somewhere to turn, somewhere to look for support, where you will be welcomed into our community.”
BBC East Midlands and TNT Rugby are among the media channels who have visited Matt recently and there is also an in-depth feature on the BBC Sport website which you can access here.
And don’t miss a new film which turns the spotlight on the Foundation and its beneficiaries on our YouTube channel.
BBC Radio Leicester, Friday 14th March
Foundation CEO Tommy Cawston on how it all started and hopes for the future. Also, Dan Hipkiss talks about writing Huxley, a children’s book based on Matt’s story.
BBC East Midlands TV, Friday 14th March
Whole half-hour programme live from the Get Busy Living Centre with Anne Davies and Natalie Jackson, featuring Matt’s story and exclusive interviews.
BBC Radio Leicester, Wednesday 19th March,
Jack Rafferty asks Matt about his story and the growth of the Foundation as part of the weekly Leicester Tigers Rugby Show.
TNT Rugby, Friday 21st March
As part of the coverage of the East Midlands derby between Northampton Saints and Leicester Tigers, commentator Nick Mullins meets Matt at the Get Busy Living Centre and reflects on his life and its impact over the last 20 years.
BBC Breakfast, Wednesday 2nd April
Natalie Jackson’s film for BBC East Midlands is presented to a national audience during the Breakfast programme.
