Retirement Line sponsors local runner to achieve London Marathon dream

11 June 2016

Peterborough based Retirement Line has sponsored a rugby coach to run the London Marathon, ten years after he was told he might not walk again.

A local man to Retirement Line who was told he might not walk again after a rugby accident in 2006 finally achieved his dream of running the London Marathon last month.

Staff at the annuity specialist heard about Tom Brewster’s story through a colleague at the firm who knows him, and wanted to show their support.

Tom, 30, said: “Ten years ago I was playing club rugby and was unfortunately involved in a bad tackle. From this, I dislocated my right leg at the hip and was rushed to hospital. As I came round from the surgery I was told by doctors that it was highly likely I would never walk again.”

“I spent the next two months in hospital before being let home, where I remained bed bound for a further five months before I could begin rehabilitation. By month twelve I started to walk unaided once again and decided right then that I would aim to take part in the London Marathon one day.”

Ten years after his accident, and after a remarkable recovery following years of rehabilitation, Tom finally got his place in the world famous race and could begin training and fundraising.

Through fundraising on social media and at work, and holding a sweepstake for his colleagues to bet on his finishing time, Tom was able to raise an impressive £1,735, of which £250 was donated by Retirement Line.

The money Tom raised was split between his three chosen charities: The Steve Prescott Foundation (which rehabilitates permanently injured rugby players), Guide Dogs for the Blind and the Team George Fund.

“The accident changed my life, but very fortunately this has been for the better in many ways,” says Tom. “It changed my perspective on life – I had no idea how fragile life could be until that point when I discovered it can just turn on a sixpence.”

David Slater, CEO of Retirement Line said:

“Tom is a real inspiration to everyone at Retirement Line, and we were delighted to hear that he successfully achieved his goal of completing the London Marathon in under four hours.”

“Tom’s chosen charities are very worthwhile causes and we hope the money raised will help to make a difference to the lives of those who need it.”

Tom would like to thank Retirement Line for being a major donor to his fundraising activities, and also wishes to thank his family and friends, who have supported and encouraged him throughout his rehabilitation and training to achieve his goal.

You can still support Tom’s fundraising by clicking here