The Matt Hampson Foundation aims is to provide advice, support, relief and/or treatment for anyone suffering serious injury or disability which has arisen from any cause, but in particular from participation in or training for any sport, sporting activity or other form of physical education or recreation. We assist individuals by offering direct grants or by paying into existing and future funds to assist with equipment, technology or just every day expenses.

The Matt Hampson Foundation has supported me during my recovery from a spinal cord injury. Money raised here will help pay for long term specialist neurological physiotherapy, The Matt Hampson Foundation is supporting me and others in similar situations with this.

In 2015 I contracted dengue haemographic fever whilst acutely unwell with this I simultaneously I developed transverse myelitis. This is swelling within the spinal cord which affected strength and movement of all 4 limbs. Recovery from spinal cord injury is not widely understood, however long term with specialist physio in the hope to retrain the brain and muscles, whilst also helping to prevent further muscle degeneration is vital. With intensive specialist neurological physiotherapy I have seen some great progress. It is important to me to raise awareness of how vital this is.

I now have a good team of specialists and physios to help me. Spending as much time as possible at Neurofit360 and Barwis Neurological Reengineering in the USA where the staff are very experienced, knowledgeable and inspiring. My aim is to be able to walk normally again without the need for a leg brace, in the next year I have some big goals 1. to climb a mountain in the UK with physios Pete and Wyn 2. to take on a distance event the Delray Beach Half Marathon in USA with physio Guy. I will be doing these major events to raise awareness and generate sponsorship.

I also need to develop strength in my upper body in particular my hands as my dream is to return to life as a carpenter and artist able to complete intricate work. My immediate goal is to strengthen my hand grip to allow me to do everyday tasks such as using cutlery. The Matt Hampson Foundation helps people suffering from physical difficulties like this by supporting them in reaching their goals.

Your help and support would be greatly appreciated in helping me fundraising for the Matt Hampson Foundation who are supporting me and others in reaching my goal of full recovery.