VARIETY, THE CHILDRENS CHARITY, CONGRATULATES RUGBY HERO AND CHARITY AMBASSADOR, MATT KING, AS HE RECEIVES OBE FROM HM QUEEN ELIZABETH II

Rugby Star is Rewarded for his Remarkable Contribution to Charity Work

Buckingham Palace, London: 25th January 2013: Variety, the Children’s Charity, today celebrates as one of its inspirational Ambassadors, Matt King, is presented with an OBE by HM Queen Elizabeth II, for his outstanding services to charity.

In 2004, rising rugby star Matt King suffered a serious spinal injury in a rugby match which left him paralysed from the neck down and unable to breath independently. Despite enduring such traumatic injuries, Matt has undergone a remarkable journey, earning a degree in Law and inspiring others through his work as an ambassador for Variety, the Children’s Charity.

Variety, the Children’s Charity, is dedicated to supporting children and young people across the UK who are disabled and disadvantaged, facilitating positive experiences for them through its vast array of programmes and initiatives. Following Matt’s accident, Variety provided him with a specialist powered wheelchair which he operates by using his mouth. This gave him the independence to study for his A Levels and also attend university.

Variety Ambassador, Matt King OBE, said, “To receive this OBE is such a great honour and I am deeply humbled for all the recognition I’ve received for my work with Variety, the Children’s Charity.”

Laurence Davis, Chief Barker, said ‘We are delighted to see Matt rewarded with an OBE after all of his extraordinary support and charity work. His continuing desire to help the sick and disadvantaged children that we care for is a great inspiration to us all.’

To find out more about Variety, the Children’s Charity, or to donate to its various projects, please visit www.variety.org.uk