Let's get behind one of Leicester Rugby’s Own!

For anyone who has been involved in rugby in Leicestershire over the years, Dave Manship will be a familiar name.

Dave played for Leicester Tigers in his younger days before finishing his rugby career with Belgrave RFC. He was also a regular with the legendary midweek side Leicester Thursday. Over the years, he made countless friends through rugby and became a well-known and much-loved member of the Leicestershire rugby family.

Even at 70, Dave wasn't ready to hang up his boots completely. He remained incredibly fit and active and was still getting together every week for a throw-about with his old rugby pals — keeping the friendships, banter and love of the game very much alive.

Tragically, following a fall, Dave suffered a devastating spinal injury which has left him paralysed from the waist down and only 50% function in his hands.

In an instant, the life he knew has changed completely.

But this isn't something Dave is facing alone. His wife and children are having to come to terms with an unimaginable change in their family life too. Alongside the worry for Dave's health and future, they are now facing the practical, emotional and financial challenges that come with such a life-changing injury.

A future that was never expected now must be planned for — one that involves changes to their home, new equipment, specialist care and support, and countless adjustments to everyday family life.

Dave is facing an enormous challenge, but so too is the family around him. Our hope is that by coming together as a community, we can take away at least some of the financial pressure and allow Dave and his family to concentrate on what matters most — supporting each other and helping him regain as much independence and quality of life as possible.

Dave has spent a lifetime being part of the rugby community. He has shared pitches, changing rooms, laughs, victories, defeats and countless memories with generations of players and friends.

Now it's our turn to stand behind Dave and his family.

If Dave has ever played alongside or against you, coached you, shared a pint with you, given you some advice, taken the mickey out of you, or simply made you laugh, please consider donating.

And if you are not able to donate, sharing this page with your rugby friends, former teammates and clubs would mean just as much. We want to reach as many of the people whose lives he has touched through rugby over the years as possible.

Now that Dave is home, the reality of his long-term needs is becoming clearer. Every contribution, whatever the size, will be used directly to help him and his family face the enormous challenges ahead and adjust to their new circumstances—contributing toward vital equipment, essential adaptions, suitable transport, and the ongoing bills that come with his life-changing injury.

Let's show Dave and his family the strength of the rugby family and remind them that, just as on the pitch, they don't have to face this alone.

Thank you.