Warriors’ Andy Breaker is one of five inspiring young individuals who have been shortlisted for the Outstanding Achiever of the Year Award, sponsored by Wooden Spoon at the Premiership Rugby Parliamentary Awards.
Breaker had cysts on his brain and spinal cord problems which caused him to black out in April 2018 after he fell downstairs and fractured his skull and two vertebrae.
After waking up from an induced coma and being told he may not walk again, he started on a new journey.
His courage, determination and resilience meant he went from using a wheelchair to walking sticks, to one stick for support to playing touch rugby at Pershore RFC.
In addition, Breaker managed weekly dialysis due to kidney failure and recovered from a kidney transplant in May 2021.
His motivation to get involved in sport never wavered and his involvement in Project Rugby through the Warriors Foundation provided opportunities to steadily increase his mobility – so much so that he can now run on to the ball at rugby sessions – gain confidence and meet new people.
The Premiership Rugby Parliamentary Awards is a celebration of the incredible work and impact achieved by Premiership Rugby and its clubs, demonstrating how their work is making an invaluable contribution to addressing some of the biggest societal challenges.
Premiership Rugby seeks to help tackle inequalities that exist, believing wholeheartedly that all young people, no matter their background or ability, should have equal access to sporting opportunities which help them fulfil their potential.
Wooden Spoon are proud sponsors of this award designed to reward a participant who has excelled in any of Premiership Rugby’s education, health or social inclusion programmes, highlighting the potential of the game to change lives off the field.
The winner will be crowned at the Premiership Rugby Parliamentary Awards ceremony, attended by MPs, taking place at the House of Commons on 12 July.
Other awards being presented at the ceremony, attended by MPs and stars from Premiership teams, include Rugby Ambassador of the Year, Community Coach of the Year and Community Volunteer of the Year.