Grand National winning jockey Graham Lee has helped the annual Northern Raceday at Wetherby Races raise more than £60,000 for Spinal Research.
Graham, who was paralysed from the neck down after a devastating fall at Newcastle Races nearly two years ago, was a special guest at the opening jump meet of the season at Wetherby.
In his lengthy career, North Yorkshire-based Graham rode more than 1,000 winners over jumps before switching to flat racing. The popular Irishman completed the unique achievement of riding to victory on Amberleigh House in the Grand National and winning the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot on Trip to Paris.
Graham said:
I’m delighted to be supporting Spinal Research and to be back at Wetherby.
This has been an unbelievably tough time but Spinal Research has given me and my family hope for the future, and we want to do all we can to support their incredible work.
He was among over 300 guests at a champagne reception, three course lunch and charity auction for Spinal Research, the UK’s leading charity funding groundbreaking research into spinal cord repair.
Guests at the annual fundraiser were moved and inspired by international equestrian Saffron Cresswell, paralysed from the chest down in a fall at last year’s Bramham Horse Trials, who was guest speaker.
The talented young rider, who also ran a successful event yard, talked about life before and after her devastating, career-ending injury.
The 24-year-old from Malvern, Worcestershire, Saffron Cresswell said:
When I instantly couldn’t feel my legs I understood straightaway what was happening and potentially how bad it was.
It’s been really hard going from being so fit and focused on my career doing what I love to facing a very different future, but I’m positive and determined to find new goals and purpose.
Saffron who recently completed her first half marathon as a wheelchair racer and is building a new career as a presenter and inspirational speaker.
Now in its 35th year, Wetherby’s Northern Raceday for Spinal Research has raised over £850,000 for the charity which is committed to curing paralysis.
Every two hours someone in the UK is paralysed after suffering a spinal cord injury. It can happen to anyone, at any time, with devastating consequences.
Suzanne Redding, Head of Audience and Community for Spinal Research, said:
We are so grateful to Wetherby Racecourse and every single person who supported the Northern Raceday.
As we stand on the brink of some amazing treatment breakthroughs every donation, no matter how small, really will make a difference. The science is here; the time is now and together we will cure paralysis.
