Leonard Cheshire Disability partners with Cambridge and Oxford university rugby players

Members of the Cambridge and Oxford university rugby team have taken time out of a busy training schedule to meet two groups of people with disabilities.

The visit by the rugby players took place at the charities’ homes situated at The Manor in Huntingdon and the Oxford players visited staff and residents at Agnes Court in Banbury.

Residents and staff at The Manor, welcomed the Cambridge rugby players and participated in a practice rugby match to test their skills.

Captain of the Cambridge Light Blues team, Harry Peck, said: “It was great to meet everyone at The Manor and we were made to feel so welcome. Playing the game was great fun and we were impressed with the ball skills shown.”

The visits coincide with preparations for the 133rd Varsity Match organised to be held on 11 December at Twickenham stadium, for which Leonard Cheshire Disability has been selected as the official charity. Members of the Cambridge and Oxford teams are competing to see who can raise the most money.

Jacob Taylor, captain of the Oxford Dark Blues team presented residents at Agnes Court with a signed rugby ball and received homemade cakes and tea from the residents whilst residents asked questions about playing English rugby at Twickenham Stadium.

Mr Taylor said: “It was great to chat to everyone at Agnes Court over a cup of tea and a cake. It was a welcome treat as we are all exhausted from the training.”

Former Cambridge captain and trustee of Leonard Cheshire Disability, Alastair Hignell, said: “It has been 40 years since I first ran out of the changing rooms at Twickenham. Although the sport and the Varsity Match have both changed, the values that make both great remain the same.

“I am honoured to be representing Leonard Cheshire Disability at the Varsity Match. It is an incredible charity that supports disabled people around the world to fulfil their potential and live the life they choose.”

Leonard Cheshire Disability provides support and care for more than 7,000 disabled people across the UK allowing them to maintain their dignity and remain as independent as possible.