One-legged amputee cricketer loses benefits after being filmed playing ‘because he's not disabled enough'
Shaun lost his right leg in a tractor accident when he was two
BATTY DECISION One-legged amputee cricketer loses benefits after being filmed playing 'because he's not disabled enough'
A ONE-legged amputee cricketer says he has lost his disability benefits after being filmed playing for his local club.
Shaun Rigby, 37, said the Department for Work and Pensions claimed it showed he 'wasn't disabled enough'.
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One-legged amputee cricketer Shaun Rigby had his disability benefits stopped by the Department for Work and Pensions
Credit: SWNS
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Shaun was filmed playing for his local club Allscott Heath in Shropshire
Credit: SWNS
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Shaun regularly played for the club with the aid of a runner — taking extra medication to cope with pain
Credit: SWNS
The sheet metal worker, who lost his right leg in a tractor accident when he was two, has played cricket since the age of seven and has represented England's disabled team.
He regularly played for Allscott Heath in Shropshire with the aid of a runner — taking extra medication to cope with pain.
But he came under investigation by the DWP — leading to his Personal Independence Payment benefits he has received since 2016 being axed and his mobility car being withdrawn.
Shaun said: 'I play cricket — it doesn't mean my leg has suddenly grown back.'
The dad of four, of Telford, Shrops, added: 'They are basically saying I am mobile enough and accusing me of lying on the application.
'But when I ticked I couldn't walk without being in pain, I wasn't lying, I just carry on through the pain.'
He has 30 days to appeal and is now £500 worse off a month.
Shaun added: 'It is so unfair just because I play cricket.
" Are disabled people not allowed to take part in sport?
"Everyone's telling me to appeal but it has all taken so much out of me, I don't think I can face it.'
Disability benefit explained - what you can claim
The DWP declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.
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Shaun lost his right leg in a tractor accident when he was two
Credit: SWNS
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Shaun said: 'I play cricket — it doesn't mean my leg has suddenly grown back'
Credit: SWNS
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