Former Esher Rugby no.8, Ben Kirby, will be part of the IPF Squad running the London Marathon on 26 April, having been helped by the RFU Injured Players Foundation following an injury sustained playing in a social tournament for an invitational side.
“Last year, while playing in a 7s tournament, I fractured three ribs which caused a Hemothorax in my left lung cavity and caused that lung to collapse,” Ben explains. “I lost about three litres of blood and needed a blood transfusion.
“The RFU Injured Players Foundation was in touch immediately and they were a massive support to me and my family at this challenging time.
“They supported us through the entire process while I was in hospital, and I am incredibly grateful to them.
“Now that I’m back on my feet, I wanted to do the London Marathon to give back in some aspect. Helping to raise awareness about the Injured Players Foundation is something that really motivates me.
“Rugby talks a lot about community - I experienced that first hand.
“Mostly as rugby players, we’re in a fortunate position where we don’t need the IPF, but when push comes to shove, they are there for you. They are that safety net and support mechanism.
“So even if you don’t need the charity as a rugby player yourself, I think it’s important we all make people aware of what the charity does so that other individuals know the IPF is there and can support them in their time of need.”
Ben will be tackling the London Marathon 51 weeks after sustaining the injury that left him in intensive care, a remarkable feat in itself. The privilege of being able to run is one that’s not lost on him.
“Although I had an injury you can recover from, it was quite an enlightening period for me,” he says.
“When you’re in an intensive care unit, you appreciate your health a bit more. To have recovered and now be in a situation where I am able to run and push myself is something I don’t take for granted. That will really drive me through the marathon.
“If I’m honest, I’m dreading running the whole 26 miles but I’m really looking forward to the atmosphere. People often say running the London Marathon is one of the top experiences they’ve had.
“I'm all about energy and I’m keen and excited to get amongst that energy. I’ll be buzzing to be running and grateful and proud to be wearing the Injured Players Foundation logo on my vest.
“In terms of my approach to the marathon, I’ll just try to pin my ears back and get going, be consistent and hopefully do it!”
If you would like to support Ben – head to his fundraising page below: https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/ben-kirby
