I first ran the marathon for Spinal Research in 2007 following a "near miss" neck injury after an unintended dismount from my horse. Unfortunately since then, the pioneering work Spinal Research undertake to transform the lives of those with paralysis has come even closer to my heart.

In February 2010 I was hit by a motorbike on a zebra crossing crushing my pelvis, fracturing the four lowest vertebrae in my back, one in my neck and suffered a potentially life threatening head injury. I was extremely fortuntate not to suffer any damage to my spinal cord and my pelvis was successfully reconstructed with various bits of metal - see the pretty picture!

When you come so close to losing the freedom we all daily take for granted the unbelievable bravery and tenacity of those coping with the effects of paralysis becomes all too apparent. During my rehabilitation I was inspired by both the Times columnist Melanie Reid and Paul Stewart, son of Andy Stewart, well-known businessman and keenly involved in National Hunt racing.

Melanie fell from her horse and broke her neck in the spring last year while Paul suffered a severe spinal injury in a snow boarding accident in Dec 2008. Both have shown huge courage and determination and are making fantastic progress against all odds - undoubtedly accelerated through the research funded by Spinal Research.

I hope you will carefully consider supporting Spinal Research as they work to bring hope to the 800 people who are paralysed in the UK and Ireland each year

To find out more about Spinal Research and their work please visit their website http://www.spinal-research.org/