Former England rugby player Matt Hampson receives OBE in Queen's New Year Honours for setting up rehabilitation centre

A man who helps people to 'get busy living' after life-changing injuries has been awarded an OBE.

Matt Hampson, 36, started playing rugby in Oakham at the age of five but was paralysed during an England Under 21 rugby training session in 2005.

He set up the Matt Hampson Foundation, through which people who have been injured can receive support and start to live their lives fully again.

Matt said he felt proud to appear in the honours list and considered the OBE an award for the entire foundation team.

"I'm really, really chuffed," he said. "With the current situation it is quite difficult to celebrate, but when we can get together, we will.

"I feel tremendously proud of everything the foundation has achieved and pleased those who need support can come to the Get Busy Living Centre."

The centre, in Leicestershire, was a long-held personal ambition of Matt’s and houses state-of-the-art rehabilitation facilities.

It had to close during the first lockdown but has since stayed open and is currently supporting about 50 people.

Matt, who lives in Cold Overton, said: "The centre provides a massive boost to people who use it, giving them access to our gym and specialist equipment, physio and training. It's also a place people can talk to others who are going through something similar.

"The award is for everyone at the foundation who is cracking on and making the best of life, and the team who have worked really hard."