A MALVERN man will be competing at an international visually impaired Rugby tournament later this year, all with the hopes of raising funds and awareness for the sport.
Matthew Lancett, 48, a former Malvern butcher, will be among ten players representing England in the visually impaired Rugby World Cup taking place in France from October 9 to 16.
The tournament, organised by The Change Foundation, adapts the rules of touch rugby to accommodate the abilities of people living with visual impairments.
The Change Foundation launched their visually impaired rugby programme in 2017 and has since engaged internationally with coaches across the UK, Japan and New Zealand.
Matthew, along with his team mates, is raising funds for the foundation in the hopes of increasing the exposure and accessibility of the sport.
The former butcher became visually impaired in 2017 after suffering a stroke which has completely reduced his vision on his left side.
Matthew, who plays as a winger, now volunteers with the Worcester Warriors Community Foundation, where he began playing visually impaired rugby, and is hoping to raise £750 for the sport via his Give as you Live donation page.
He will also be engaging with the community, hosting fundraising stalls in Morrisons supermarket, telling people all about the sport and asking for donations.
With this campaign, and the continued progress of visually impaired rugby, Matthew is hopeful the sport will feature at the Paralympic Games in the future.
Matthew said: “Friends, family and local businesses have all been very helpful.
“It’s all about getting the awareness out there, we want to support the growth of the sport.
“The atmosphere among the team is great, we have good banter and a good giggle.
“We’re all grateful and thankful for the opportunity to represent England.
“Hopefully we can put on a good show.”
Matthew also wanted to thank Malvern Spa for giving him access to their facilities to help his rest and recovery after training, something especially important to him after suffering his stroke, which can lead to severe muscle tension.
He also thanked 1st Choice Blinds for their donation support.
Visit: https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/vi-rugby-international-tournament-france-2023 to donate.
