In the summer of 2009, Gareth Rees found his way to Stratford upon Avon RFC. Working locally at the NFU and living in Henley in Arden, he initially came across as a quiet and methodical type but like so many who don the black and white hoops on a Saturday afternoon, he instantly became a 'wrecking machine' causing havoc amongst opposition forwards.
With a first season under his belt, a number of 1st team appearances in the bag and a virgin SCUF tour banked, he was starting to find his feet. However, on 15 January 2011, disaster struck when he suffered the most devastating of injuries - a broken neck. No one, either associated with Stratford RFC or beyond can quite believe what has happened to such a talented player and great friend.
While his recovery will be arduous, the support that has been shown through messages of love and 'well wishes' has been immense – Gareth you are a fantastic guy, with so many people behind you.
I wanted to do something that would build on the backing that Gareth has received so far and therefore when I take on the Stratford Triathlon on 15 May 2011, it will be to raise money for the Rugby Football Union Injured Players Foundation (RFU IPF.)
Started in 2008, the RFU IPF supports people who sustain a catastrophic injury (CI) whilst playing rugby. The charity provides help and support for both players and their families in the early months of these injuries as well as in the long term and incorporates the former SPIRE Rugby Trust charity.
In addition to this support, the charity takes a more active approach to conducting and supporting research and education aimed at preventing injuries; and identifying how injured players can be helped more effectively. For more information please go to http://www.rfu.com/ipf
This is what the RFU IPF can do with money raised:-
- £50 - can buy an England Rugby shirt that we can be signed by the England squad and donated to a hospitalised player.
- £100 - can provide DVD or book vouchers to help keep an inpatient entertained during their hospital stay.
- £250 - can fund the carer costs on a short holiday for an injured player who wouldn't be able to have a break without the attendance of qualified support.
- £500 - can provide an injured player with basic internet-ready lap-top so they can keep in touch with friends and family whilst in hospital.
My goal is to get through this Triathlon. Any discomfort I feel at the end will be nothing compared to what Gareth has gone through so far and will continue to go through until he is fully recovered. So in the spirit of everything that is wonderful about Gareth, let's ensure that the work of the charity continues to make a difference to the lives of Gareth and others.
Nick Leach, February 2011.
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