Matt Hampson OBE
Founder, The Matt Hampson Foundation
Community Action
Since his accident in 2005 during an England Under 21 rugby training session, Matt has battled hard to live as normal a life as possible. Paralysed from the neck down and breathing via a ventilator, Matt didn’t lament what he’d lost, but instead decided to focus on the things he could still do and get busy living. He established the Matt Hampson Foundation in 2011 to help others like him who have suffered similar catastrophic injuries through sport to receive the support they need to rebuild their lives.
Matt delivers inspirational talks to young people in schools, universities and businesses around the country. He is also heavily involved with running the Foundation’s Get Busy Living Centre which provides expert physiotherapy, specialist personal training, mentorship, advice and support to others that have suffered life-changing injuries.
Matt’s book ‘Engage’ describes the circumstances surrounding his accident and subsequent rehabilitation. It received critical acclaim and won a sports book of the year award.
Matt was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s 2021 New Year’s Honours for his incredible achievements.
If anyone epitomises the Foundation’s ethos of ‘Get Busy Living’ it is Matt Hampson.
Life as a disabled person isn’t always easy, but I have a great life and focus on all the things I can do and enjoy, rather than those I can’t. I’m the biggest beneficiary of the Foundation and I’m proud of what the team and I have achieved over the past 10years. It’s a fantastic feeling to be able to help others who are just beginning their journey to recovery after injury and a privilege to share my experiences and help them rebuild their lives.
I was blown away to receive an OBE at the beginning of the year, our 10th Anniversary year and I have big plans for the future of the Foundation.”
