FOUNDATION TRUSTEES ANNOUNCEMENT
Roy Jackson is to become Honorary Life President of the Matt Hampson Foundation, with Adam Walker named as its new Chairman of Trustees.
Roy was serving as President of Leicester Tigers rugby club at the time of Matt’s accident training with the England Under-21 squad in 2005 and he quickly became a close friend and valued supporter of Matt and his family.
Through the 17 months Matt remained in hospital, Roy was central to establishing a trust fund to assist with his care and, later, in the formation and growth of the Matt Hampson Foundation, created to support other young people following life-changing injury in sport.
With a career in printing and as owner of a successful reprographics company, Roy was also deputy chairman of the Leicestershire & Rutland Prince’s Trust and, in an association which began in 1982, served as commercial manager and non-executive director of Leicester Tigers as well as President of the club. He is now a Life Member.
In recognition of his work for the Foundation, Roy received its Above and Beyond Award in 2024.
The citation said: “Roy has not only played a hands-on role in the Foundation’s daily operations but has also been instrumental in its growth and success over the past 20 years.
“His leadership, vision and deep personal commitment have helped to establish our unique charity and develop the life-changing support it provides to so many people. His impact is immeasurable and recognition is a testament to his enduring legacy.”
Energy and support
Adam Walker, a lifelong rugby fan and long-time supporter of Matt’s Foundation, was appointed to its Board of trustees in 2019 and became deputy chairman in 2022. His business career included 20 years as Group Chief Financial Officer of listed companies National Express Group, Informa, GKN and IHS Holdings Limited.
Matt Hampson OBE, in announcing these appointments, said: “Roy was one of the first people to help me after my accident and has remained a loyal friend and supporter to me and my family.
“It is hard to put into words the impact he has had on all of us since 2005, but I do know that the Foundation would not be where it is today without Roy.
“He has given so much time, energy and support to the Foundation as Chairman over so many years and we are hugely grateful for everything he has done. I am sure he will continue to make an impact as Life President.
“Adam, too, has always been incredibly supportive of me and the Foundation. We were delighted to welcome him as a trustee, deputy chairman and now Chairman, and we look forward to working even more closely with him in the years ahead.”
