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.