From paralysis to London Marathon 2026, Matt Hampson’s mission to help others: “I see this as being my purpose”

Former England Under-21 rugby international Matt Hampson, who was paralysed from the neck down in a 2005 training accident, will participate in the 2026 London Marathon on 26 April in a specially adapted athletic racing chair. The event aims to raise funds and awareness for the Matt Hampson Foundation, a charity he established to support young people who have suffered life-changing injuries through sport. Hampson describes the challenge as rooted in purpose and legacy, more than 20 years after the accident that ended his career with Leicester Tigers.