If you would like to support Danny, head to his fundraising page here.
Today, we catch up with another member of our ‘IPF Rugby Runners Squad’ taking on the London Marathon for the RFU Injured Players Foundation - Danny Rumble.
“Rugby has been the heartbeat of my life for as long as I can remember,” Danny explains.
“It’s given me friendships, a career, unforgettable moments, a purpose and most importantly a direction in life I'd have been lost without. It’s shaped who I am and how I live.”
Currently EPCR Governance and Regulations Manager, as well as Discipline Secretary for Gloucestershire RFU, Danny previously worked for the Rugby Football Union (RFU).
It was during his time at the RFU that he saw the positive impact the Injured Players Foundation can have on the lives of catastrophically injured players and their families.
“My time at the RFU made me aware of the excellent work done by the Injured Players Foundation.
“The IPF steps in when the unthinkable happens.
“When a life-changing injury turns a world upside down, the IPF is there supporting injured players and their families physically, emotionally, financially for the long haul.
“They don’t just patch people up, they rebuild lives.
“I’ve seen the impact of their work throughout my time in rugby. It’s powerful. It’s vital. In short, the IPF changes lives. And it deserves every ounce of support we can give it.”
Colleagues of Danny’s have previously run the marathon for the IPF and said it was a 'cracking team', so he’s looking forward to being part of it.
“First and foremost, I’m keen to contribute in some small way to the difference the charity can make in a player’s life,” he says. “I also can’t wait to experience the atmosphere on the day.
“This will be the third time that my boss Liam has run the London Marathon. From what he’s told me, the crowd is on a scale I hadn’t fully appreciated before, so I'm excited to see it.
“Training has gone well and I’ve really enjoyed it. It's not been easy, but then it's not supposed to be so that's all good.
“The main challenge is that everywhere I've been able to train is really hilly. It will be interesting to see how I go on a flat track. I’ve also been trying to get used to things like using gels and hydrating properly.”
Danny came up with a fun and educational way to help nudge him towards his £2.5K fundraising target, by enlisting the support of international match officials.
Working alongside Gloucestershire RFU, Danny organised a ‘Meet the Referees’ evening, with over £500 raised on the night to put towards his final marathon total.
The evening was held at Gloucester’s famous Teague’s Bar and featured EPCR’s Head of Match Officials Tony Spreadbury and international referees Andrew Brace, Ben Breakspear, Eoghan Cross and Olly Hodges.
Talking about the fundraising event, Danny said, “It was a fantastic night. ‘Spreaders’ [Tony Spreadbury] led an interactive session for the audience, showing how match officials work as a team on matchday, and guests really enjoyed it.
“That was followed by an equally insightful Q&A hosted by Ed Price, who presents a Gloucester Rugby supporters’ podcast. People have been so generous and supportive of what we're trying to do.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to Ed, Spreaders, Andrew, Ben, Olly and Eoghan for so kindly volunteering their time to support this fundraising initiative, as well as to Gloucestershire RFU and everyone who attended or has donated.”
Alongside supporting his wider rugby family, the London Marathon will also represent the culmination of a personal mission for Danny.
“Over the last couple of years, I’ve been through some personal ups and downs. Running has become a symbol of taking my life, health and happiness back into my own hands.
“So now, I’m combining two things that define me: my love for rugby, and my determination to keep becoming the strongest version of myself.”
If you would like to support Danny, head to his fundraising page here.
