AFTER eight years of training and fundraising, a Chard councillor has finally landed a space in the marathon to support rugby players with serious injuries.

Martin Carnell, a town councillor, has already raised more £340, but has a final target of around £2,000.

The funds will go to the Rugby Football Unions Injured Players Fund. He was inspired to support this cause after seeing many fellow players suffer serious injuries on the pitch.

This includes a colleague from the fire service who was paralysed by a rugby injury.

Cllr Carnell said: “I’ve been trying for a place in the marathon for eight years and finally managed to get one.

“I do run but this is my first marathon as I’ve run shorter distances for other charities in the past, including Cheltenham Half Marathon for the Mayor of Cheltenham’s fund, The Grizzly for the Samaritans, etc.”

“I chose the charity I am running London for as I have been a member and player of Chard RFC for some 25 years and managed to avoid any major injury, only I am aware of some who have not including a colleague from the Fire Service who ended up paralysed as a result of club rugby.

“I am totally aware that I’ve been lucky enough to avoided any major injuries.

“I’m aware of friends, work colleagues and club members who haven’t and being an active runner it made sense to combine these elements for a feeling of accomplishment.”

The Rugby Football Unions Injured Players Fund support rugby players who sustain a catastrophic spinal cord or traumatic brain injury, and help prevent future injuries through research and education.

It is the official charity of England Rugby.

An RFUIPF spokesman said: “Our assistance is available to any player, from grassroots up to professional level, to empower them to lead their lives as fully and independently as they are able to.

“We are there for the player, family, friends and club immediately after injury and for the rest of their lives.

“We are continually funding research to make breakthroughs to understand how we can improve the care of the injured player and make the game of rugby safer with the vision to allow everyone to play the game without catastrophic injuries occurring.

“We also offer help to individuals who sustain injuries while playing rugby that are not classed as a catastrophic spinal cord injury or a traumatic brain injury, by providing information and where possible by relieving financial hardship.”

To support Cllr Carnell’s fantastic fundraising effort, go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MartinCarnell.

For more on the injured players fund, visit rfuipf.org.uk.