Mark taking on the spine of Britain
Mark Laws is hanging up his boots after 23 years’ senior rugby most recently at Wisbech RFC and previously at Thetford RFC and Peterborough Lions. To coincide with his retirement he has decided to run, cycle and hand cycle 450 miles, from Twickenham Stadium to Murrayfield.
He’s taking on this challenge which involves covering 70 miles a day along the ‘Spine of Britain’ to raise money for research into paralysis.
“I decided it was time to hang up my boots,” said Mark. “I love the game of rugby and because some have been less fortunate than me and have had serious injuries, I decided I wanted to raise money for research into paralysis and spinal cord injury.
“Science has made great progress in recent years and there are trials taking place delivering life-changing results, so it seemed appropriate to cover the ‘Spine of Britain’ to raise critical funds for Spinal Research to help transform promising research into real, game-changing treatments.”
Support from Jason Leonard
Spinal Research Patron and Rugby World Cup winner, Jason Leonard, said: “I’m calling on the whole rugby family to get behind Mark’s epic challenge. Together our support can help Spinal Research progress projects that have the potential to change the lives of those living with paralysis. The biggest barrier now is funding.”
A high-performance fitness coach from Norfolk, Mark begins his challenge at the England vs France Guinness Six Nations match, finishing at Murrayfield at the Scotland vs Italy match. He plans to visit a famous rugby venues including Rugby School, Leicester Tigers and Leeds Rhinos. He will also be supported by members of the rugby family. Max Levene, an RFU Injured Players Foundation client, was injured in a rugby match in 2009 aged 17.
“As soon as I hit the floor, I knew what had happened. It was like the lights had been switched off from the chest down - no pain, just nothingness,” he said.
Max remains an avid rugby fan, attending matches and setting up his own podcast with other spinal cord injured rugby players to discuss the game they love.
Preparation and investigation
As part of the preparation for his journey, Mark has been finding out more about what it means to live with a spinal cord injury and more about the latest research into paralysis.
“I’ve learnt so much about how your life can change in an instant from a spinal cord injury. As part of my preparation, I’m experiencing first-hand what it means to live using a wheelchair, including learning to hand cycle and play wheelchair rugby. Someone is paralysed every four hours in the UK. I know the money I raise is critical to help Spinal Research,” he said.
Support, follow and get involved!
- You can find out more and follow Mark’s journey on Instagram @therealmarklaws
- Visit Mark's JustGiving page
- Spinal Research Website
Help support the campaign by texting RUGBY plus the amount you wish to donate to 70490. (Texts cost one standard rate message plus the amount you want to donate (default value is £5)
