Surgeons support Horatio's Garden appeal (From Salisbury Journal)

Surgeons support Horatio's Garden appeal

9:41am Friday 27th January 2012 in News By Hannah White

TOP spinal surgeons from the south west are lending their support to a rehabilitation garden in memory of a Bishopstone teenager.

The Southern Spinal Injuries Trust (SSIT) is organising the Dartmoor Cycle Challenge and all funds raised will support Horatio’s Garden at the Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre at Salisbury District Hospital.

The garden was named as a lasting tribute to 17-year-old Horatio Chapple, who was killed by a polar bear while on a British Schools Exploring Society trip last August.

His father, David Chapple, consultant spinal surgeon and SSIT trustee, is leading the cycle challenge on May 27, together with other spinal surgeons and their former patients, families and friends.

The challenge is a three-distance event starting and finishing at the River Dart Country Park in Ashburton, Devon, and participants can chose a 61, 21 or one mile route.

People with spinal cord injury will also be able to take part thanks to an all-terrain wheelchair being provided by Mountain Trike.

David Chapple said: “This is SSIT’s first major fundraising event outside the Salisbury area and it’s wonderful to know that so many are keen to support this important project. Horatio’s Garden will undoubtedly help improve the quality of life for those who face long stays in hospital following a spinal cord injury.”

Registration for adults is £30 with a minimum sponsorship target of £50 and entry for wheelchair users is £10.

For more information, including online registration, visit ssit.org.uk.