Rugby legend Jason Leonard is calling on players, coaches, officials and supporters to Give 2 for Stu in support of the Stuart Mangan Appeal.

Stuart is a 25-year-old amateur rugby player who broke his neck playing for Hammersmith & Fulham RFC in April 2008, leaving him with no feeling below his neck, reliant on a ventilator and requiring round-the-clock care for the rest of his life.

Stuart is currently at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore, north London but it is anticipated he will move into a flat in west London in the near future.

With no substantial improvement expected in his condition, Stuart and his parents Brian and Una Mangan from County Cork in Ireland need help.

Give 2 for Stu is Hammersmith & Fulham RFC's call to everyone involved in rugby to give £2 in the form of collections in clubhouses, match fees handed over and donations from club funds. Around 1200 rugby clubs in England have been sent a letter from Jason Leonard asking them to help.

Leonard, the prop who won a record 114 caps for England, is a patron of the Stuart Mangan Appeal alongside fellow famous international rugby players Keith Wood, Raphael Ibanez, Jonathan Davies and David Sole.

“Rugby union is a family,” Leonard said. “We pride ourselves on our camaraderie and our willingness to look after each other when the need arises.

“Although Stuart has already shown his indomitable spirit and determination, he really does need us now.

“We need every single person involved in rugby – players, coaches, officials and supporters – to donate just £2. It is less than the cost of a post match pint but it will make a real difference to Stuart’s life in the inevitably difficult times ahead.”

The organisers of the fund have a simple message: “Every penny raised from Give 2 for Stu will go to help Stuart and his family.”

Chris Cuthbertson, secretary of Hammmersmith & Fulham RFC, said: “Stuart was playing at fly-half for the club’s 2nd XV when he was injured accidentally in open play.

“The club has been deeply shocked by the injury that Stuart has suffered and is keen to help him and his family in any way that it can.”

Anyone wishing to contribute should either transfer the money directly into the appeal bank account: Bank Account: S Mangan Appeal - Sort code: 40 07 04 - Account no: 81693328.

or send a cheque, made payable to “S Mangan Appeal” to the following address: Hammersmith & Fulham RFC – Stuart Mangan Appeal 17 Wheatsheaf Lane, London SW6 6LS.

For further details of the appeal please visit the Hammersmith & Fulham club website: www.fulhamrugby.co.uk or contact the club secretary Chris Cuthbertson at SMA@FulhamRugby.co.uk