Sportsworld donates a large quantity of Lions merchandise to the Matt Hampson Trust

Following the hugely exciting British & Irish Lions Tour to South Africa, Sportsworld, the Official Licensed Operator for the Lions Tour to South Africa, has donated a large quantity of Lions merchandise to the Matt Hampson Trust. This included shirts, bags windbreakers and caps from the tour.

Matt Hampson, the former Leicester Tigers Rugby prop forward, suffered a spinal injury whilst training for the England U21’s in 2005. The “freak accident” as Matt describes, left him paralysed from the neck down and unable to breath without the use of a ventilator.

Matt contributes both financially and verbally to help spinal research, hoping to one day find a cure for spinal cord injuries. He is also a patron of Special Effect, a charity helping young people with disabilities to use leisure technology and improve their quality of life. Despite this selflessness, Matt requires an estimated £8 million over his lifetime for care and equipment costs and has set up the Matt Hampson Trust for donations to help towards this. Sportsworld donated the merchandise to be sold to fans via the Trust website www.matthampson.co.uk and Special Effect, with proceeds going towards supporting Matt and helping spinal research.

Matt says, “It’s really good of Sportsworld to choose to support my trust, the rugby community as a whole has been so supportive since my accident it really is overwhelming. I recently flew for the first time since my accident so who knows maybe sometime soon I’ll be able to go on one of Sportsworld's rugby tours!”

Chad Lion-Cachet, MD from Sportsworld, says, ‘We are really pleased that we could find a good home for this high quality Lions merchandise and we are happy that the merchandise is now being put to good use and we hope this will help towards Matt and spinal research.’

Sportsworld is pleased to offer official corporate hospitality at Twickenham Stadium, the home of England rugby. Packages start from £249 per person based on the Six Nations Suite Hospitality for the Barbarians v New Zealand match on 5th December 2009. The price includes an official RFU match ticket, drinks reception, complimentary bar, four course luncheon, post match snacks, car parking (on request) and an official souvenir programme. Packages are also available for the Investec Challenge Series and RBS 6 Nations.

Note to Editors: Founded in 1980, Sportsworld is a leading travel, hospitality and event services company, delivering memorable experiences at the world’s most talked about sporting and cultural occasions including the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup, Wimbledon Championship, The British Grand Prix and the Rugby World Cup.

For Further Information please contact:
Lynsey Devon, Sportsworld PR Manager
Tel: 020 8939 8708   Mobile: 07930 631493
Email: lynsey.devon@tuitravel.com