2021 is a big year for the Matt Hampson Foundation, not only are they celebrating their 10th anniversary, but Matt also received an OBE in the New Year’s Honours list.
Founded in 2011 by Matt, following an accident that left him with a life-changing injury aged just 20, the Foundation was created to inspire and support young people seriously injured through sport.
The team works closely with hundreds of unique beneficiaries and their families at their Get Busy Living Centre, helping people come to terms with their injuries, adjust, heal, and move forward with their lives, and provides expert physiotherapy and specialised personal training.
Lockdown has been hard on all charities and the Matt Hampson Foundation has been no exception. Their beneficiaries have been isolated from friends and family which is difficult for everyone, but even more so when you’re living with a disability.
“What Matt is doing – and everybody that works here – is amazing. The amount of people this place will help over the years is brilliant. It’s massive.”
MHF beneficiary
During lockdown they pivoted their offering to provide remote physio and personal training initially, along with delivering essential gym kits to the homes of the people they support. An App was also launched on which all their online resources could be stored and accessed. Once the centre could partially reopen, they worked hard to provide outdoor training for their beneficiaries. – To further keep spirits up, Matt hosted a quiz once a week and beneficiary DJ Henry Love hosted a Friday night DJ set.
As lockdown two loomed, the charity launched its 1 Million Metre Challenge, where the beneficiaries, staff and supporters completed as many metres as possible through a variety of activities, whether out for a push, a Ski-Erg session or handcycle. The aim of this was to not only raise awareness of the Foundation, and the important work that they do, but to also keep the very special community they have fostered at the centre motivated and connected when they couldn’t be together physically.
The challenge was incredibly successful and generated coverage on ITV national news, local BBC News and was widely promoted by many of their ambassadors including their patron Mike Tindall and Harry Potter actor James Phelps.
Earlier in the year the Foundation, its beneficiaries, supporters, and patron Mike Tindall also took part in the 2.6 challenge, an initiative designed to replace the London Marathon during the pandemic. Over £25k was raised for the Foundation and it was another great opportunity to bring people together during lockdown.
The charity has just released their first ever Impact Report which illustrates some of their highlights through what can only be described as a challenging year and tells tales of overcoming of adversity in the face of a global pandemic. There are some emotional stories, inspirational moments, and incredible achievements.
“This place changes people’s lives”
MHF beneficiary
Prima Solutions has supported The Matt Hampson Foundation and the team at the ‘Get Busy Living Centre’ since it started. Matt Said: “We’re so grateful to Prima Solutions for their support during what’s been a really difficult year.
“We’ve focused our efforts on doing as much as we can to keep our beneficiaries healthy, happy and active and we’re counting down the days until we can get the centre fully open and operational again!”
The charity raises funds through hosted events, including: the AXA XL Six Nations dinner and golf days at The Belfry.
The opening of their lodges in the Spring, which are very generously being built by Davidson’s Homes will enable the charity to work with beneficiaries that are not based locally to the centre and allow them to benefit from the unique rehabilitation offering that they can provide.
Fundraising continues for the addition of an aquatic therapy and well-being hub at the centre, which will incorporate a hydrotherapy pool and allow them to offer additional therapies and support to their beneficiaries.
There are a multitude of ways to help the Foundation raise vital funds to support their work with their beneficiaries. If you would like to find out more, please visit Matt Hampson Foundation
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