Cambridge and Oxford University’s rugby teams paid a visit to the residents of two homes for disabled adults this past weekend run by the charity Leonard Cheshire Disability, which will be supported by their forthcoming annual clash at the Varsity Match.
The Cambridge University teams dropped in to visit residents at the Huntingdon home on Saturday 5th November. Donning team colours, eight members of the Cambridge University men and women’s teams visited the Manor to see how vital donations support residents with life enhancing care and support.
Whilst representatives of the Oxford University teams in turn visited the Banbury home on Sunday 6th November, in full team blazers. Eighteen members of the men and women’s teams visited Agnes Court to spend time with the residents and see the amazing work being done.
There was even some fighting talk, with residents at both homes having ties to the universities. Manor resident Dave Somers said: “I really enjoy the visits from the best team, that’s Cambridge! Saturday was a great day and talking to all was fantastic, particularly the women’s team! The match at Twickenham can be cold but the thrill of the day gets you carried away. Thank you to all.”
Resident John Major said: “I will be watching the match to see the players I met here. I enjoyed their visit today, and got nostalgic because I was at Oxford myself.”
Cambridge Men’s team captain Daniel Dass said: “It has been great to visit one of Leonard Cheshire Disability’s fantastic homes in Cambridge. I just spent the last couple of hours talking to some amazing men and women, it’s been a fantastic experience to hear about and see the really amazing work being done here.”
With Cambridge University Rugby Football Club Marketing Manager Ross Heber-Hall adding: “We collectively had a humbling and very rewarding shared experience today; staff and residents alike were a joy to be around”
The Manor’s Volunteer Co-ordinator Billie Smith said: “Having The Varsity Match support Leonard Cheshire Disability is amazing. Residents really enjoyed telling players about the garden equipment we received thanks to last year’s match fundraising.
“A resident with brain injury, who has memory loss, remembered one of the team members from a previous visit which shows the impact they make.”
Oxford Women’s team captain Catherine Wilcock, a 3rd year student at Wadham College, will be leading the side for the first time this year. She said of the visit: “It’s been a really fun and interesting afternoon talking to the residents about their lives. This is such a nice and supportive environment, coming here today opened my eyes to what the Varsity fundraising will go towards.
“We want a good match on the 8th December, for women’s rugby in particular. It’s important to show we can perform at a high level and hopefully encourage other women to play rugby. We want to show it’s a women’s sport as well as for men.”
Men’s team captain Fergus Taylor, a postgraduate student at St Catherine’s College will also be leading the side for the time. He said: “Today’s visit has been great from a personal perspective, and the squad have really enjoyed it too.
“Supporting the service is really important because donations will help improve the residents’ quality of life. The more money is raised, the greater impact it will have.”
The 135th Men’s and the 30th Women’s Varsity Match will take place at Twickenham Stadium on Thursday, 8 December, and is set to attract another packed crowd eager to see both teams compete at the home of England rugby.
Leonard Cheshire Disability supports thousands of disabled people every year to live as independently as possible. To find out more please visit: https://www.leonardcheshire.org/
