Cardiff Blues and Vale of Glamorgan Council’s rugby development officer Matt Silva is currently putting in the miles ready to run the London Marathon later this month.

He is looking for sponsors to help him raise money for rugby players in Wales who have suffered serious injuries while playing the sport.

Matt will be running in aid of The Welsh Charitable Trust, and said: “We’ve all recently enjoyed watching Wales’ Grand Slam triumph in the Six Nations.

“But unfortunately every year there are a number of players at all levels of the sport across the country who suffer serious injuries while playing the game we love.

“If you could please spare any change to help support this worthwhile charity that would be fantastic.”

It is sad to note that there are currently 20 former players who are permanently confined to wheelchairs as a result of accidents on the field of play.

The Welsh Charitable Trust has, over the years, provided cars, wheelchairs, both electric and manual, hoists, adaptations to homes, scholarships and, in fact, anything that can make the lives of injured players more comfortable.

Matt warmed up for his Marathon by being one of the lucky 5,000 people who were chosen at random to take part in the National Lottery Olympic Park Run on Sunday 1 April. The five-mile trial run around the London 2012 Olympic Park finished with a lap of the track in the impressive Olympic Stadium.

You can support Matt’s marathon efforts by visiting his fundraising page at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/mattsilva