Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

For over 50 years Rossway Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) has been creating life-changing opportunities for people with all forms of disabilities – physical and cognitive - through riding therapy. With some of its horses getting on in age, Rossway RDA desperately needs to buy another horse to continue this important work. 

To help raise the cash, we've decided to take on the Chiltern 50K Ultra Challenge. It's going to be hilly(!!) and it's going to be hard, but it's a charity that has had a great impact on us personally, so please donate if you can. 

Eloise started riding with Rossway RDA in 2018 at the age of 5. Although she looked so tiny on a pony, we knew that the team would keep her safe at all times. 

Eloise has been diagnosed with CHARGE Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes a range of physical and health problems that vary from child to child. For Eloise, these include being profoundly deaf, having heart defects, cleft lip and palate, facial palsy and poor balance. While riding might not at first seem like the obvious choice for a child who struggles with large motor skills and balance issues, Eloise was desperate to be around horses and to ride. 

Luckily the team at Rossway RDA welcomed her with open arms. The changes that we have observed over the last five years have been staggering – physically, socially and emotionally. Through weekly riding sessions, Eloise’s posture and core strength have significantly improved. She used to tire so quickly, but now her stamina is greatly improved. These benefits have even carried through to the classroom, with teachers commenting on her increased physical abilities and capacity to concentrate for longer periods.   

In addition to the health benefits of riding, we now see a much more confident little girl. She skips onto the yard, desperate to see her favourite pony and is so very proud of what she has achieved, keen to share her knowledge of horses with everyone. 

While Eloise misses a lot of spoken language, the RDA volunteers all ensure she understands exactly what is going on. Communication will always be a challenge for Eloise, however, when she is on horseback, her huge smile tells you everything you need to know. 

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. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.