MEET THE AMBASSADORS – ALEX GOODE
In a new series, Matt Hampson Foundation ambassadors share their links to the charity and its founder.
Even before embarking on a trophy-laden career in professional rugby, Alex Goode had heard the Matt Hampson story.
“Matt is three or four years older than me and I first heard about him when I was at Oakham School,” says Alex who went on to win six Premiership titles and three European Cups as a Saracens player to go alongside 21 caps with England.
The introduction came via former Leicester Tigers captain and coach Ian ‘Dosser’ Smith, who was Alex’s rugby master at Oakham and has been a big supporter of Matt’s over many years.
“Later, I met Matt at his first Rugby Dinner in London and I was blown away by the story,” adds Alex.
“I went away thinking you never know how you would deal with serious injury. I was thinking you should be really dark and bitter and angry at the world, then you see how Matt is so positive and how he wants to help.
“He wasn’t happy just raising money for himself, he wanted to help others so they wouldn’t feel alone and that resonated with me. He is an incredible human who offers wonderful support.”
Goode, who holds the distinction of playing in every minute of each of Saracen’s winning finals, and retired in 2025, appreciates the values of the Foundation’s Get Busy Living Centre too.
“The Centre is incredible with its facilities and all the support, but fundamentally you see the care involved,” he said on a recent visit.
“Everyone in here cares – about each other, about other people. They want to make everyone feel welcome and that they’re not on their own. It’s just a wonderful, welcoming place. That’s what it does better than anything.
“People come here who feel vulnerable, who have gone through a really difficult situation, and they see others who have come through it, who still feel positive and are living life to the full and seeing an opportunity at every corner. That is phenomenal.
“You see Matt, too, he needs assistance in his breathing and has a lot of care, yet he comes in full of energy, he’s always looking at what’s next, at how the Foundation can help and it’s great to see.”
