Rich and Jen met in 2009 through their shared love of rugby union and married two years later in 2011. Like so many families connected by sport, they never imagined that the game which brought them together would one day change their lives so profoundly. That changed when Rich was diagnosed with probable Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and early-onset dementia at just 41 years old.

For several years before the diagnosis, it was clear that something wasn’t right. Rich struggled with severe depression that did not respond to conventional treatment, and his deteriorating mental health ultimately led to a suicide attempt. Alongside this, his short-term memory began to decline. At first, it was easy to dismiss — forgetting his phone, why he’d walked into a room, or leaving a pizza in the oven. Over time, these lapses became more serious, progressing to forgotten conversations and, heartbreakingly, major life events such as his daughter’s wedding.

Rich has since been medically retired and is registered as disabled. Jen is now his full-time carer, supporting him through the daily realities of living with a progressive neurological condition.

While receiving the diagnosis was devastating, it also brought a strange sense of relief. At last, there was an explanation for the symptoms they had been living with for years. But clarity quickly gave way to uncertainty. What do we do now? How can this be treated? What support is available? How will the disease progress — and is there anything we can do to slow it down? These are the same questions faced by every person and family impacted by CTE.

In searching for answers, Rich and Jen connected with countless other families navigating the same fears, frustrations, and daily challenges. It became clear that support was fragmented, information was hard to access, and too many people were being left to cope alone. Determined to turn their experience into something positive and proactive, they decided to act — and from that decision, a Community Interest Company was born.