A different beginning: Injured player runs London Marathon after life-changing injury
IPF Member Spencer Wadsworth is running the London Marathon in support of the charity that he says “saved his life” - the RFU Injured Players Foundation (IPF).
The IPF is the official charity of England Rugby. It supports players who have sustained a life-changing injury whilst playing rugby union in England. Life-changing injuries include those which result in the loss or use of a limb, catastrophic spinal cord injuries or acute, severe traumatic brain injuries.
Spencer had played rugby his entire life, playing full back for his school and local club, Old Laurentians as well as being on the Worcester Development Academy.
He joined the rugby team at Keele University, where he went to study biomedical science, and in his third game for the team, in October 2023, against Lancaster, he sustained an injury to his right shoulder resulting in permanent paralysis of the right arm and hand.
He said: “I couldn’t feel my arm at all. I couldn’t feel my fingers or make any signals or move my arm in any way.
“I went to the hospital straight away and spent a long time in Lancaster. The whole time I was there, I was convinced I would get better and that I would be fine post-surgery. It was only when I met the specialist, and he told me that it was life-changing and really serious, did I fully accept what had happened.
“I broke down when I told my parents and really struggled to come to terms with it. I was very angry for a long time and not very pleasant or fun to be around. I spent a lot of time going out trying to prove to everyone and myself that I was still the same.”
Spencer underwent further surgery, which enabled him to cope without the need for medication. He continues to have physiotherapy sessions in London every three months and sees his specialist every six months as part of his ongoing therapy.
He was introduced to the IPF while he was on his rehabilitation journey. The charity offered him and his family financial support for their travel to visit Spencer in hospital and emotional support through the Engage programme, which aims to empower players to lead the lives they wish to lead.
A different beginning
He added: “The IPF basically saved my life. They made me realise I wasn’t alone, and through some of the events I’ve been lucky enough to attend, I’ve met some amazing people.
“John Burgess, the IPF Welfare Officer, visited me when I was in a really bad place. He really helped me realise that this isn’t the end, it’s just a different beginning.”
As Spencer underwent his rehabilitation, he decided he wanted to challenge himself, and the best way for him to do that was to take on a marathon. He mentioned his plan to Burgess, who offered to help him, and it snowballed from there.
As well as running the full London marathon in support of the IPF to recognise them for what they did for him, Spencer also took on London Landmarks half marathon as a warm-up race.
He runs with his arm in a sling to keep it secure and was even training up the mountains during the IPF’s ski course in Andorra in January 2025 as part of the Engage Programme.
In October 2024, Spencer returned to Keele University restarting his first year. While he is in halls this year to give him additional help if it’s needed, he will live out with the rugby lads next year.
He is also now taking his England Rugby coaching qualification badges so he can coach the rugby team and he’s applying to be their social secretary for next season.
As a charity the IPF offers wide-ranging support for players, their families and friends when faced with a life-changing injury. This can include immediate support in hospital ensuring access to the most appropriate medical care as well as emotional, practical and financial assistance, enabling families to focus on supporting their loved one. The IPF is committed to being there for life, or for as long as the player needs.
The Foundation always puts the player at the centre of this support, with consideration for the unique barriers they may face in achieving their goals and the unmet needs they may be experiencing. For more information, visit RFUIPF.org.uk.
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