Duncan does it for the IPF
RFU Injured Players Foundation client, Duncan Campbell, sustained a traumatic brain injury in 2009 while playing rugby for Cobham against Dorking in the Surrey Cup semi-final.
Supported by his wife Michelle, he trained for four months before recently taking on a hilly Vitality 10km race at Hatfield Park, London.
Overcoming a foot injury, he made it to the start line and by sheer determination to the finishing line, aiming to raise awareness and funds for the IPF, the charity having supported him since his injury.
He was able to participate in the event helped by a bioness device funded by the IPF. This straps to his leg and helps him to walk with a reduced risk of falling, which is part of his condition.
Duncan has also been skiing in Andorra with the IPF and is being supported in taking an England Coaching Award – he is now a member of the coaching staff at Old Plymothian & Mannamedian RFC and wants to help out there. His favourite day out is watching England in the IPF hospitality box at Twickenham Stadium in company with other clients.
He said: “After I crossed the line I collapsed on the grass. Then I felt very emotional and had an immense sense of achievement and relief that I’d completed the challenge. The pain afterwards took days to settle but it was worth it. This has been my biggest achievement since my injury and I wanted to give back to the IPF because they have always been there for me.”
