Rugby videos of tackles, tries, funny incidents and more: Paralysed Matt Hampson talks about life and rugby

Friday, May 15, 2009

Paralysed Matt Hampson talks about life and rugby

As little as a few years back Matt Hampson was tipped as a future England star. Selected for the Leicester Tigers academy at a young age, Hampson was soon selected for the England u18, u19, and u21 squads before tragedy struck in 2005.

A training accident changed his life completely as a scrum collapsed and he suffered a dislocation in his neck which trapped his spinal cord. Matt was left paralysed from the neck down and his rugby playing days and bright potential as a star on the field were over.

Matt’s seemingly dark future after the accident isn’t perhaps as dark as many would have expected. He has a spirit, charm, and lust for life that has led to him overcoming a situation that would have beaten so many others in his position.

In this interview with Sky News, Hambo talks about the everyday struggles that living in his condition bring, but shows how positive he is about life and that he’s still as big a rugby fan as ever.

He coaches, writes articles, maintains his website, and does what he can to raise money for spinal care for both himself and others.

Matt requires £8m for his life-long care and we’d like to help by making the rugby community aware of what is needed to help this inspirational figure, a man who wont let even the worst of circumstances get him down.

You can read more about Matt and make a difference by visiting his websites to do what you can to help, or simply leave a message of support if donating isn't possible.

Tragedies like this can happen at any time, and when they do, it’s vital that the rugby community sticks together to take care of one of their own. All the best Matt.

www.matthampson.co.uk
www.walk4matt.org

Time: 02:52
Note: With thanks to Sky News

This man is a real legend!!

By Anonymous, at May 15, 2009 4:44 pm
Fair play to Matt Hampson, There aren't many people who have this positive an outlook on life.

Despite the horriffic injury he suffered he still loves the game and isn't bitter about the effect it's had on his life.

All I can say is Matt Hampson is a real credit to the game and I wish him all the best for his future.

By bathwing1986, at May 15, 2009 4:57 pm
great mentality

He could feel bitterness with rugby, but he prefers see far and rebuild

By Flooz, at May 15, 2009 5:45 pm
thx RD for this precious document

By Flooz, at May 15, 2009 5:46 pm
I wish him all the best for the future.

By Anonymous, at May 15, 2009 5:59 pm
An inspiration!

By Pelling, at May 15, 2009 6:05 pm
I hope he reads this to know that he is an inspiration to all those who have suffered these injuries, not just in rugby..but also to those who are still playing; just shows how the flame of rugby lives on forever!

miracles can happen

By taa, at May 15, 2009 6:06 pm
world needs more people like this inspiring man

By Anonymous, at May 15, 2009 6:15 pm
Dislocated neck? Im a physio and have never heard of that type of injury in my life.

By Anonymous, at May 15, 2009 6:46 pm
Ur right anonymous physio he's faking it to get money?? Twat. Are you saying its not possible or is it very rare??

Inspirational lad thou, I'm guessing prop in his time?

By jej, at May 15, 2009 6:52 pm
All the best in the future, Matt. You are so inspiring

By Kenneth, at May 15, 2009 7:35 pm
Im saying its so rare we dont even get taught how to treat it. Brave guy, wish him all the best.

By Anonymous, at May 15, 2009 8:13 pm
Pretty simple, a dislocation of the secondary cartilagenous joints between vertebrae.

OR

A dislocation of the synovial joint between the occiput and the atlas.

OR

A dislocation of the atlanto-axial joint, causing the dens to rupture its ligament and impinge on the spinal cord.

By Unknown, at May 15, 2009 8:56 pm
More importantly, great to see someone take such a blow with such character - I don't think anyone could predict how they would react, and Matt is the epitomy of bravery for his way of doing so.

I hope the rugby community rallies round him the same way as they did around Paul Deeley, who suffered a similar injury.

By Unknown, at May 15, 2009 8:58 pm
this happened at my local club to a lad who was 21. we made money for him to get a van and come and watch, had the same attiude

hey paul, how are you?

ok thanks, still paralysed

stronger man than i to have such a positive outlook.

By Joe, at May 15, 2009 9:13 pm
Tremendous spirit!

By Unknown, at May 15, 2009 10:48 pm
this man has to be respected for the way he has taken the injury on the chin,

matt if ur reading this, all the best for the future

By ruggerbugger, at May 15, 2009 11:20 pm
"Dislocated neck? Im a physio and have never heard of that type of injury in my life."

In all due respect, you could fill a library with what the average physio hasnt heard of.

Its not hard to imagine a dislocated neck, perhaps u just meant you have never heard of that happening.

By dr, at May 16, 2009 12:50 am
wish u the best getting better, you're a true inspiration

By Anonymous, at May 16, 2009 2:54 am
I understand what u mean mr physio, but to be honest i dont think a physio would be asked to treat (or even touch) a dislocated neck.

By Anonymous, at May 16, 2009 6:13 pm
What a guy, all the best Matt.

By Anonymous, at May 17, 2009 2:24 pm
I have all respect for this man. Living to the full as he can, despite what has happend to him.

All the best mate, keep on living and get the best out of life

By Anonymous, at May 17, 2009 5:23 pm
Just goes to show how small the margins are between getting a serious injury and walking away from something on the pitch. Look at Ugo Monye last weekend, that could have gone either way.

Great to see Matt and people like him who've had injuries stay strong and get support from the rugby community. Good work RD

By JJM, at May 18, 2009 12:52 am
Not just a credit to Rugby but a credit to the human race, well done young man.

By Anonymous, at May 18, 2009 1:44 pm