Where it began
Jan and Craig Vassie invite injured servicemen from Headley Court to a London Wasps match.
Supporting service personnel since 2008
Memorable days out during rehabilitation.
STUBS brings injured members of the Armed Forces together for special sporting occasions, offering hospitality, friendship and a welcome change of scene during rehabilitation.
What we do
More than a day at the match.
STUBS provides special days out for injured service personnel, bringing guests together to enjoy sporting occasions in a welcoming and accessible environment.
But the experience has always been about much more than watching a match. For someone recovering from a life-changing injury, getting away from the rehabilitation environment, spending time with others and being made to feel genuinely welcome can provide an important lift.
From tickets and accessible seating to hospitality, food and drink, STUBS aims to create occasions on which guests can relax, enjoy themselves and simply feel looked after.
Our story
It started with an invitation.
STUBS began in 2008, when Jan and Craig Vassie invited a group of injured servicemen receiving treatment at Headley Court to join them at a London Wasps home match.
London Wasps supported the idea by providing unsold tickets, allowing more injured service personnel and veterans to attend. What began as a simple invitation quickly demonstrated that these occasions could offer something genuinely valuable.
STUBS became a registered charity in April 2009 and began regularly hosting groups from Headley Court.
STUBS guests with charity Patron Sir Ian McGeechan OBE at one of the charity's early rugby occasions.
STUBS becomes a charity
STUBS formally registers as a charity and expands its programme of hospitality.
Growing the idea
Hospitality moves to Harlequins, providing more space and improved accessibility for larger groups.
A new chapter
The Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre moves from Headley Court to Stanford Hall and STUBS moves its hosting from Harlequins to Wasps with matches at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.
The tradition continues
STUBS maintains a close relationship with DMRC and continues hosting patients at sporting occasions close to Stanford Hall including at Leicester Tigers and at Leicester Racecourse.
Jan Vassie
Jan remained at the heart of STUBS from its beginnings in 2008 until her death in 2019. The charity she and Craig created continues the simple idea with which it began: giving people going through an extraordinarily difficult period something special to look forward to.
The difference it makes
A change of scene can mean a great deal.
Recovery from a serious injury can be long and demanding. STUBS was created around the belief that rehabilitation is not only about treatment.
A day away, an opportunity to socialise and the experience of being welcomed as a special guest can provide confidence, enjoyment and something positive to anticipate.
STUBS is the only charity to support the social reintegration of the most seriously injured UK servicemen and women through the provision of a choice of sports and social events which they can attend.
“This is a worthwhile venture that deserves your wholehearted support.”
STUBS today
Every Leicester Tigers home game.
STUBS continues to work closely with the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Stanford Hall.
Throughout the rugby season, STUBS hosts serving personnel undergoing rehabilitation, together with occasional veterans continuing treatment as out-patients, at Leicester Tigers home matches.
Guests receive tickets, hospitality, food and drink, and accessible seating. STUBS also supports attendance at other sporting occasions, including racing at Leicester Racecourse.
More than fifteen years after the first invitation to a rugby match, the idea remains much the same: provide a special day out, a warm welcome and something positive to look forward to.
Support STUBS
Help us continue the tradition.
Donations help STUBS continue providing special sporting occasions for service personnel undergoing rehabilitation.
We welcome donations by bank transfer or cheque, and Gift Aid can be claimed on eligible donations.
If you would like to make a donation, email us and we will provide the appropriate details.
Supporters have also helped STUBS through sponsored challenges, fundraising events and other activities over the years. If you are thinking of raising money for STUBS, we would be very pleased to hear from you.
Email us to donateContact
Get in touch.
For enquiries about STUBS, fundraising or supporting our work:
Postal address
STUBS Limited
Langley House
Tudor Road
Hazlemere
High Wycombe
Bucks. HP15 7PA
Registered charity number
1128980