David Jackson, once Nottingham rugby's top try scorer, is currently engaged in a gruelling world record attempt, running at least 50 kilometers each day for 100 consecutive days. This ultramarathon challenge aims to raise money and awareness for the head injury charities Headway and Head For Change. Jackson's endeavor stems from his personal journey of recovery after sustaining a serious brain injury during a training session in 2013, an incident that abruptly ended his professional rugby career.
At 31, Jackson's career was cut short by a collision with a teammate during a touch rugby session, which later led to a seizure and a significant bleed on his brain. This event marked the end of his playing days but initiated a challenging period of recovery. He described how his brain struggled to cope with normal levels of stimulation, recounting an instance in a supermarket where the sheer number of yoghurt options overwhelmed him to the point of tears.
"When your brain is trying to recover, it can’t deal with normal levels of stimulation," Jackson told Daily Mail Sport. "I remember shopping for yoghurt after my injury, looking at the shelves, and being totally overwhelmed by the number of options. I just broke down in tears. I knew I shouldn’t be crying over yoghurt! But I just couldn’t control it."
The aftermath of the injury significantly impacted his cognitive functions and emotional regulation. Jackson experienced chronic fatigue, sensitivity to light, and difficulties with rational decision-making. The statistics for couples affected by serious brain injuries are stark, with nearly half reportedly breaking up. Jackson acknowledged the crucial support of his wife, Catherine, during this tumultuous time, stating, "Catherine took me back and said: ‘This isn’t the guy I married.’ Thankfully, we’re still together."
Despite initial hopes of returning to play, medical advice was clear: immediate cessation of the sport was necessary. Jackson, who had experienced multiple concussions prior to the career-ending incident, found that recovery was a slow and arduous process. "The days turned into weeks and then months," he recalled. "At the time, I wasn’t totally aware of what was going on, but I knew I was struggling."
Running eventually became a cornerstone of his recovery. "Running became a pivotal part of my recovery process," Jackson said. "Eventually, my outlook started to focus on what I was going to do next." His personal experience led him to research the impact of breathing techniques on the nervous system, brain inflammation, and blood flow. This research formed the basis of a book he authored and is now a key part of his work assisting elite athletes, including England star George Martin.
Jackson's current challenge is not only a personal feat but also a platform to help others who have experienced brain injuries. "I want to use the recovery I’ve made to help others," Jackson stated. "Every 90 seconds, someone goes to hospital in the United Kingdom with a brain injury. I didn’t know about the help that was out there when I had mine. I don’t want anyone else to be in the same boat."
His ultramarathon journey has seen him cover vast distances across the United Kingdom, with over 700 people joining him for parts of the run. Even sustaining a leg injury on day 14 did not deter him, highlighting the resilience of participants who often share their own stories of overcoming adversity. Television presenter Ben Shephard has been among the notable figures who have joined Jackson on his run. The challenge continues as Jackson aims to complete the 100 consecutive days, pushing his physical and mental limits to support those affected by brain injuries.
