After multiple delays due to covid, finally in June of this year, I will be joining former professional rugby player, and good friend Ed Jackson in the Alps to raise funds for Restart.

Ed Jackson's professional rugby career spanned ten years. He played for Bath, Wasps, London Welsh and the Gwent Dragons.

Three years ago, aged 28, Ed endured a horrific spinal injury that not only forced him to retire from the professional game but left him virtually paralysed from the neck down. Since then, he has been undergoing intensive rehabilitation and had defied the odds after being told he may never walk again. Not only has Ed got back on his feet but he has turned his sights to the mountains; conquering peaks to raise awareness of spinal cord injuries and fundraise for charities that have helped including Restart.

Restart supported Ed through his recovery from day one by helping to fund full-time physiotherapy treatment and has allowed him to go on an inspire so many people with his positive mind set an resilience, including myself. 

Restart is the official charity of the Rugby Players Association and is dedicated to supporting over 1,200 current and former professional players suffering from serious injury, illness or hardship. Players give everything for club and country but their lives can change in an instant.

Should the worst happen, Restart is there to provide financial, practical and emotional support, helping with the cost of medical treatment, rehabilitation and career transition. The charity also provides a 24/7 telephone helpline and confidential counselling service for players and their families during their darkest times. 

To find out more about the vital work that Restart do to support players, watch their charity video and hear from players like Ed about the importance of Restart's support. 

Watch Restart's charity video: 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=UY4XXj8pU-Q