Fran To Tackle London Marathon For ‘Inspirational’ Liam

Wednesday, January 4th 2017

An amateur rugby player from Bristol is set to take on the London Marathon in April to raise money for the RFU Injured Players Foundation, after a player at her club suffered life-changing injuries whilst being legally tackled during a game in December 2015.

Francesca Golton, who plays her rugby for St Mary’s Old Boys, is currently in training for the gruelling event and will run in recognition of the club’s former first XV captain Liam O’Keefe, who was injured while playing against Cheltenham Saracens.

“I have been playing rugby for years and the sport has given me so much,” said Francesca.

“In December 2015, the men’s first team captain of St Mary’s Old Boys, suffered life-changing injuries whilst being legally tackled playing the game he loved.

“The event touched everyone at the club and many surrounding clubs. This made me realise that we all go into training and games knowing there is a risk of a black eye or stamped foot - maybe broken ribs. But not many people think about the more serious risk and the repercussions of us putting our bodies on the line for our teams.

“Seeing what Liam and his family have had to go through over the last year has inspired me to dig deep and give back to the sport which has given me so much.

“I run for my family, I run for my club and team; but I run in recognition and honour of Liam and the O'Keefe family’s continued strength and determination and hope that I can show the same grit when I attempt the London Marathon.”

Francesca hopes to raise £2500 and you can donate to her and the RFU Injured Players Foundation by clicking here. Any donations are gratefully received, as are items for a charity raffle/auction.