My story

For the 2010 Virgin London Marathon, the whole of the British horseracing industry has come together to create a team of 25 'athletes' (for want of a better word!) to run in aid of the Spinal Injuries Association, and specifically the Tristram Ricketts Appeal.

Sir Tristram Ricketts Bt died sadly in November 2007, and will always be remembered as one of racing's 'good guys' - universally liked, and described towards the end of his career as "racing's greatest civil servant". After his death, an appeal was launched in his name to raise £150,000 for the Spinal Injuries Association Academy, which provides a forum for expert discussion of research and medical innovation as well as offering training and education expertise, thus playing a vital role in the future betterment of the lives of paralysed people.

Unfortunately in our sport, accidents do happen, and many of us running have friends who have suffered spinal injuries whilst riding which have resulted in paralysis - so all of us are very proud to be raising money for a charity that makes a difference to the lives of people that we know and love.

So, please help the team (listed below) to not only meet, but exceed our target for the SIA and the Tristram Ricketts Appeal.

Richard Norris (Jockey Club Racecourses), Lizzie Lea (Tom Dascombe Racing), Ian Renton (Arena Leisure and BHA Board Member), Izzy Desailly (Professional Jockeys Association), Gerard de Waal (Racing UK), Annette Baker (British Horseracing Authority) , Lisa Delany (JETS – Jockeys Education and Training Scheme), James Oldring (British Horseracing Authority), Michael Wilson (Racing UK), Fiona Needham (Catterick Racecourse), James Armstrong (Newcastle Racecourse), Susan Carson (Catterick Racecourse), Jon Ryan (British Horseracing Authority), Harriet Collins (JSC Sport), Richard Hammill (Pontefract Racecourse), Emma McCall (Horse & Hound), Clare Higgins (British Racing School), Craig Benton (British Racing School), Dan Sait (Racing Post), Beth Greener (Racing Post), Clare Hazell (Professional Jockeys Association), Keith Jones (Cheltenham Racecourse), Philip Pritchard (Amateur Jockeys Association), Chris Stickels (Ascot Racecourse), Luke Harvey (At The Races), David Dennis (professional jump jockey), Kate Lewis

Unfortunately, Ian has had to withdraw due to injury...however he's still actively fundraising on behalf of us all, so please don't give him too much stick!

And as of Friday 9th April, James Oldring has been ruled out with tendon damage to the ankle (or more simply, 'a touch of a leg' if you're horsey-minded). He is totally gutted, but has promised everyone that has sponsored him that he'll run it next year!

19th April: I think everyone is beginning to appreciate just how hard it is to even make the startline of the marathon, never mind complete it - Luke Harvey and Lizzie Lea also fall victim to injury within a week of the race day!

Any size of donation is very much appreciated and welcomed - thank you in advance from all of us for your support, and please do feel free to come and cheer us on (or laugh at us) on April 25th 2010!

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - we raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

 

My gallery 1

My Teams

My company

My charity

Spinal Injuries Association

Spinal Injuries Association

Charity Registration No. 1054097

SIA is the national organisation of the UK's 40,000 spinal cord injured people. SIA provides a helpline, conducts research, campaigns and offers a peer advice network, a link Scheme and a website. SIA believes that life needn't stop when you're paralysed.

Donations 513

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This from our collection bucket on the reception desk at the BRS. Well done everyone!

Donation by Clare Higgins on 07/06/10

£38.73

+ £10.92 Gift Aid

Donation by Richard Smith on 28/05/10

£40.00

+ £11.28 Gift Aid

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Another collection of cash from various friends. A huge thanks to all who have supported us in our 'marathon effort!'

Donation by Annette Baker on 25/05/10

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Well done to Harriet, Michael et al. Fantastic! Better late than never: that's me, not you!

Donation by Nick Luck on 25/05/10

£150.00

+ £42.31 Gift Aid

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This is a collection of cash from various friends - thanks to you all. Great effort from all them running team - who's up for 2011??!!

Donation by David Dennis on 24/05/10

£1,000.00

+ £282.05 Gift Aid

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finally ... for McCall

Donation by C Austen on 24/05/10

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Donation by Catterick Racecourse on 24/05/10

£60.00

+ £16.92 Gift Aid

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Well done Claire, although I never doubted you would do it! Sorry it has taken me so long to pay up!!!!

Donation by Nicki Handforth on 24/05/10

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Nice one, Beth.

Donation by Thomas Kerr on 21/05/10

£15.00

+ £4.23 Gift Aid

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So proud of you Gerard. Well done you were so fast we missed you running past! love Chrissie Mike Rosanna and Joe xxx

Donation by Chrissie de Waal on 19/05/10

£20.00

+ £5.64 Gift Aid

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very well done dave! jimmy mccarthy

Donation by james mccarthy on 18/05/10

£50.00

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Very well done Harriet James & Tessa

Donation by JAMES CROWHURST on 12/05/10

£100.00

+ £28.21 Gift Aid

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Well done Emma Mac! Ian

Donation by Ian Lewin on 12/05/10

£50.00

+ £14.10 Gift Aid

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Dude, that haircut has been worth every, single penny. Big up baldy, steedo.

Donation by alex steedman on 11/05/10

£50.00

+ £14.10 Gift Aid

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Donation by Mark Zetland on 11/05/10

£100.00

+ £28.21 Gift Aid

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Donation by David Bellin on 10/05/10

£50.00

+ £14.10 Gift Aid

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Congrats David Dennis I am sure that you will break the 4 hour barrier next year! Best wishes Robert Walsh

Donation by Robert Walsh on 08/05/10

£100.00

+ £28.21 Gift Aid

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Well Done Michael ! From Auntie Sue & Uncle Martin.

Donation by janice wilson on 07/05/10

£20.00

+ £5.64 Gift Aid

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Congratulations James, Harriet and team!

Donation by Harry Douglass on 06/05/10

£10.00

+ £2.82 Gift Aid

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Congrats Chris Sticks. Always had complete confidence. Never doubted. Never......

Donation by Jeremy Holliday on 06/05/10

£50.00

+ £14.10 Gift Aid

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Well done Michael & Gerard, great effort. Sounds like the hair will be gone for good Michael

Donation by MARK HOWARD on 05/05/10

£30.00

+ £8.46 Gift Aid

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Well done Richard!

Donation by James Robertson on 04/05/10

£20.00

+ £5.64 Gift Aid

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Well done Harriet (brennie) Great effort

Donation by Richard Brown on 04/05/10

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Donation by Pip Kirkby on 04/05/10

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Donation by Matthew Cumani on 03/05/10

Donation summary

  • * Online donations£23,095.21
  • Offline donations£16,449.02
  • Text donations£0.00
  • Total raised£39,544.23
  • Gift Aid£5,391.62

* Charities pay a small fee for our service. Find out how much it is and what we do for it.