Story
<p>Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.</p>
<p>This year sees the fourth Walk4Matt, when rugby supporters from across the country join forces to raise much-needed funds for Matt Hampson's Foundation and other charities supported by him.</p>
<p>The walk begins in Rugby, on Saturday May the 19th, and ends at Twickenham Stadium, on Saturday, May the 26th, the day of the Aviva Premiership final. It covers around 110 miles, along the Grand Union Canal, and then the banks of the River Thames.</p>
<p>Matt's story is known to many, but still bears repeating. He was a very promising rugby player, with Leicester Tigers and England Under-21s, when he suffered a catastrophic injury while preparing for an international match, in March 2005.</p>
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<p>He ended up paralysed from the neck down, and unable to breathe without a ventilator - enough to bring most people to complete despair, but Matt is a special person. With courage, determination and enormous good humour he has defied adversity to become one of the most admired and respected figures in rugby.</p>
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<p>He leads a very active life, the main part of which now involves running the Matt Hampson Foundation, which helps young sportsmen and women from around the world, who have suffered serious injuries.</p>
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<p>For many people, the Walk4Matt has become an annual highlight. A week in good company, walking through some beautiful areas of the country, having fun and raising money for a great cause.</p>
<p>I'm very proud to have been involved for so long, and particularly proud that The Wasps Walk for Matt, in 2007, sowed the seeds for the Walk4Matt. By the time this year's walk ends, I will have walked over 500 miles, and drunk nearly that many pints, to support this remarkable young man and his causes. I think that's a suitable milestone at which to hang up the walking boots -</p>
<p>time to leave it to the youngsters! Despite that, I certainly intend to remain involved with him and the work of his Foundation.</p>
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<p>I'm afraid I've been tapping the same people to donate money to the same cause for the last five years, and I much appreciate the generous support they've given me in the past. Times remain tough, but I hope you can reach into your pockets to sponsor me for one last time, as I walk off into the sunset - or, more likely, The Sun Inn, in Richmond!</p>
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<p>Thank you!</p>
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<p>So please dig deep and donate now.</p>