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As a team of four we will be pushing Gareth around the London Marathon, with a maximum of two pushing at any one time. As you might expect, it won't be Gareth's normal electric wheelchair, as it's too heavy, and motors aren't allowed, but one that has been put together by metal fabricator, S A Mogg UK LTD, using existing bike components and newly sourced speciality parts.

The charity we’re running for is the RFU Injured Players Foundation who provide support and information to rugby players in England who sustain a catastrophic spinal cord injury (SCI) or traumatic brain injury playing the game, and help prevent future injuries through vital research.

Their assistance is available to any player, from grassroots up to professional level, to empower them to lead their lives as fully and independently as they are able to. They are there for the player, family, friends and club immediately after injury and for the rest of their lives.

Gareth suffered a SCI playing for Stratford-upon-Avon rugby club in January 2011. The IPF quickly made themselves known and supported his family from the early stages after injury; offering financial help, for family members to travel and be with him; to fund his first vehicle and eventually once discharged from a rehab hospital; purchase and adapt a property, setting him up for the rest of his life.

The IPF also run courses to build people’s confidence post injury, getting like minded, rugby loving, people together to experience new activities and challenges. These include sailing, skiing, a multi-activity weekend and trips to Twickenham match days for any injured players who wish to attend.

We want everyone who loves the game to get involved. We need YOU to help raise funds and raise awareness to support injured players and to fund vital research.

The IPF are continually funding research to make breakthroughs to understand how they can improve the care of the injured player and make the game of rugby safer with the vision to allow everyone to play the game without life-changing injuries occurring.

For more real stories of players the IPF has supported, please visit: www.rfuipf.org.uk.