A father who has lived with one leg since childhood faces a £36,000 repayment demand from the Department for Work and Pensions after he was spotted playing cricket.
Shaun Rigby, 37, underwent amputation below the knee after a tractor incident when he was two years old.
The Telford resident had his Personal Independence Payment and Motability vehicle removed after investigators recorded footage of him playing for his local cricket club.
The DWP concluded his daily requirements did not justify the enhanced support he had been receiving since 2016, totalling approximately £500 monthly.
The sheet metal worker from Shropshire has competed for Allscott Heath Cricket Club twice weekly, requiring assistance from teammates who act as runners whilst batting.
Match officials help by holding his crutch during play.
Despite his disability, Mr Rigby previously represented England's disabled cricket squad.
The married father-of-four has maintained employment since leaving school whilst managing his condition.
His enhanced PIP support began in 2016, with a Motability vehicle added to his benefits package three years ago.
Shaun Rigby spoke to GB News earlier this year
| GB NewsThe investigation into his claim commenced after officials documented his sporting activities, leading to questioning under caution in August last year.
Speaking to GB News host Martin Daubney earlier this year, Mr Rigby recalled receiving a letter in the post from the DWP telling him of an anonymous complaint.
Mr Rigby explained: "I've played cricket since the age of seven. Back in 2012, I went on the first England physical disability tour to Dubai.
"But back in August last year, I received a letter from the DWP to say that there was a report against me, and I had to go for an interview under caution.
"Somebody reported me for playing cricket and taking my family to Disneyland Paris on holiday."
Shaun Rigby relies on prescribed medications including co-codamol, amitriptyline and naproxen to manage persistent pain
|Mr Rigby relies on prescribed medications including co-codamol, amitriptyline and naproxen to manage persistent pain, increasing his dosage on match days to make participation bearable.
"I've deteriorated quite a lot," he explained. "On bad days I play cricket with a runner when batting and in the field I'd be in positions where moving was limited."
He emphasised that sporting activity doesn't negate his disability: "Just because I play cricket doesn't mean my leg has grown back. I still need help getting around."
The aftermath of matches proves particularly challenging, though he maintains participation for social wellbeing whilst he remains able.
An independent tribunal has supported the DWP's determination, confirming Mr Rigby must return the funds.
He was notified of this decision on November 28 demanding the £36,000 repayment.
Mr Rigby faces either pursuing a tribunal hearing, potentially waiting 18 months based on others' experiences, or finding means to settle the debt.
"I suppose I'll just have to do more work to pay it off," he stated, describing the ongoing stress since August 2023.
Following the vehicle's removal, his mother and sister jointly purchased a replacement car, which he requires for employment.
A DWP spokesperson confirmed: "Personal Independence Payments are awarded based on how a condition impacts a person's day-to-day needs, as opposed to the condition itself."