On 17th of April I will be cycling 102 miles dressed as a Womble, to raise money for the RFU Injured Players Foundation. Here's why:

In early March this year, semi-professional rugby player, young business owner, surfer, top bloke and lifelong friend of mine, Jack Fishwick, sustained life changing injuries.

Jack, a lock-forward, was playing for Wimbledon against Haywards Heath in West Sussex when early in the game he sustained a serious C4/5 spinal injury, seriously damaging his spinal cord. He was airlifted to hospital, assessed and put through a 14 hour emergency operation on his neck. 

Whilst the operation was a success, the injury has left Jack quadriplegic.

It seems desperately unfair that such an injury could happen to an active, strong and full of life 26 year old, however Jack's spirit is inspirational. In his own words "same life, different challenge". His mental strength really is something to behold. His spirit and determination have been the driving force behind his fight as he adapts to the new life he faces, and that of his family and friends. 

However, in the background have been the RFU's Injured Players Foundation. A charity supported by the RFU (England Rugby's governing body) who take care of critically injured players, and their families, for life. They take care of legal matters, treatment costs, rehabilitation, the press....the list is endless. 

The support of the RFU IPF has enabled Jack and his family to focus on recovery and adaptation, and as a result they cannot praise the foundation enough. 

On April 17th I will be cycling from the Mark Allen Group's London office, to our Salisbury office (102 miles), dressed as a Womble, to raise funds for this amazing organisation. This will be my second attempt at this challenge, having pledged to do it two years ago for Help the Hospices as part of my London Marathon fundraising. 

Please give as much as you can for a little known charity which helps injured rugby players and their families rebuild their lives after devastating injury. 

Thank you. 

Ed

#TeamFish

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