History

In 1981 the Head Boy of Llandovery College was playing as the Captain of his team in the Rosslyn Park Schoolboy Sevens Competition. During the game he fell awkwardly in a tackle leaving him quadriplegic. At the time of this tragic injury there was very limited accident insurance available for schoolboys playing sport and that fact, coupled with the public sympathy felt for the player, led to the setting up on 2nd December 1981 of the Registered Charity now known as Rosslyn Park Injury Trust Fund.

The Trust Fund helped the player to go through University and with his living expenses whilst studying for his law exams.

The objects of the Trust allow the Trustees to assist not only those who suffer injuries whilst playing rugby but also those young people suffering injuries whilst engaged in other sports.

RECENT SUPPORT

2004, assistance for a young woman rock climber, paraplegic after an accident.

2006, the Trust supported Matt Hampson (Leicester Tigers) who became quadriplegic after a scrummaging accident in training with the England U21.

Support for Alistair Johnson (Tynedale RFC), quadriplegic as a result of an accident, against Fylde in September 2004.

2006, Gary Dallow, MotoCross racer, who lost his leg from above the knee.

2008, Stuart Mangan, rugby player, suffered a broken neck.

2008, assisted Shepperton Cricket Club with finance for disabled facilities .

2009, Sean Mendez, footballer, neck injury.

2009, Adem Seykin, spinal injury playing rugby play.

2010, David Henderson, tetraplegia after trampolining accident.

2010, Ryan Cockbill, quadraplegia after swimming accident.

2010, Mark Beckett, ruptured crucial ligament and damaged medial ligament following rugby tackle.

2010, Bret Bassett, cyclist, serious head injury after crash in training.

2011, Jack Brennan, Saracens player diagnosed with cancer.

2012, further grants to support Brennan and Bassett.

The Fund welcomes applications for financial assistance from people injured in playing sport; applications should be made to any of the Trustees, care of Diane McIntier – Secretary at the Rosslyn Park Injury Trust, email bridihalfwayst@talktalk.net

The Fund relies wholly on donations to remain viable, and any sum of money, however small, is welcome, and again can be sent to the Secretary, or any of the Trustees, at the address below. Royalties from the book ‘The Final Whistle: The Great War in Fifteen Players’ also support the Trust.

ROSSLYN PARK INJURY TRUST FUND

102 Halfway Street, Sidcup, Kent, DA15 8DB