A former Leicester Tigers rugby player who was paralysed in an England U21 training session has been honoured by the University of Leicester for his many years of helping others who have suffered similar catastrophic injuries through sport. Matt Hampson OBE was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws during a graduation ceremony held at De Montfort Hall.
Matt's life was changed forever by a spinal injury in 2005 that ended his sporting ambitions at the age of just 20. The up-and-coming rugby union prop was left paralysed from the neck down after a scrum collapsed during a training session with the England Under-21 squad.
Since his accident, which left him reliant on a mechanical ventilator to breathe, Matt has battled hard to live as normal a life as possible. He has become a mentor and inspirational speaker and advocate for disability support in Leicester and beyond through the Matt Hampson Foundation, which he started in 2011.
READ MORE: Paralysed former rugby star Matt Hampson calls for better safety in game as he receives OBE award
The foundation provides practical and emotional support, helping individuals rebuild their lives after an injury. Matt is also heavily involved with running the foundation’s Get Busy Living Centre, a rehab facility in the east Leicestershire countryside that offers physiotherapy, personal training, mentorship, advice and support to those with life-changing injuries.
Matt said: “It is a true honour to receive my doctorate from the University of Leicester. I feel this honour is not just recognition for the work I have personally done through my foundation, it is also acknowledgement for the amazing and dedicated team who work at our very own Get Busy Living Centre, who are changing and empowering the disabled world.”
Matt delivers talks to schools, universities and businesses across the UK, sharing his story of resilience and determination. His book, Engage, which won a sports book of the year award in 2012, describes the circumstances surrounding his accident and his journey of recovery and rehabilitation.
Matt took up rugby as a five year old for Oakham, before joining Syston RFC when he was 12. He joined Leicester Tigers academy at the under 16 age group and was made an apprentice for the 2001/2 season. He also played for England in the Under-18 and Under-21 squads.
In recognition of all his achievements he was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s 2021 New Year’s Honours. President and vice-chancellor of the University of Leicester, Professor Nishan Canagarajah, said: “It is impossible to imagine what Matt went through in 2005.
"He was living out his dreams, excelling for Tigers and being touted as a future senior England rugby international. He had everything at his feet, and it was taken away from him in a split second.
“But, instead of wallowing in self-pity, Matt turned catastrophe into a personal triumph and has helped improve the lives of so many people in a meaningful way, while inspiring all of those who have met him. We are proud to welcome this remarkable Citizen of Change into the University of Leicester family.”
