Ian Knott is a former professional Rugby league footballer from the 1990s and 2000s who at club level represented Warrington Wolves, Wakefield Wildcats and Leigh Centurions. Playing at Second Row, Loose forward, Full Back, Centre and Stand Off.
Ian also represented Great Britain at Academy/U21s level.

Ian is one of the many talented Rugby players produced by the amateur scene in Oldham. Ian came through the ranks at Mayfield and Wigan St Judes and was snapped up by Warrington Wolves aged 14.
Knotty Captained Leigh Centurions, and in 2004 led Leigh to 3 trophies including the Grand Final victory over Whitehaven which guaranteed Leigh promotion to the Super League for the first time in the clubs history.

A back injury sustained whilst playing prematurely ended Ian's career in 2004/5. Ian has since had 5 major back operations and is unable to walk without the aid of crutches and lives in constant pain. High doses of Morphine is all that prevents Ian from being completely immobilised and his condition is only going to deteriorate as several specialist's have stated his condition is now inoperable.

Ian 33, is married to Danielle, and they have two young boys Ethan 6 and Haydyn 3.

"It all started in 2004 while playing for Leigh Centurions, with over two months still remaining in the season i slipped a disc in my back, i carried on playing for the remainder of the season in immense pain but with the hope and desire to lead Leigh into Super League. The pain was such that i could only train once a week and played on Sunday, the rest of the week i could barely walk. In fact, i needed 16 painkilling Injections to get on the field for the Grand Final.
Since then my condition has got worse and worse and 5 operations later to be told i have to live the rest of my life in this pain is not nice to hear".

"The Benevolent Fund have been really supportive to me and my family, they have provided me with various things to improve my quality of life, this includes a mobility bed, this has really helped me a great deal as i spend a large amount of time laying down. The bed gets into positions that are able to reduce my pain and take some pressure of my spine.
They have also provided me with a mobility scooter which enables me to enjoy walks to the park with my wife and kids, something that gives me great pleasure, but something i couldn't have done without the help of the Benevolent Fund".

"I would like to thank everyone involved with the Benevolent Fund, along with all the supporters who very kindly donate there well earned money for a very special and much needed cause".