Walkers are urged to don their hiking boots and step out in aid of injured North Yorkshire jockey Graham Lee as he continues his hospital recovery.
The 48-year-old former Grand National-winning jockey suffered a career-ending fall when unseated from his mount at the start of a handicap race at Newcastle Racecourse, last November.
He was treated in intensive care at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary for a neck injury.
A fortnight after the fall he was transferred to The Golden Jubilee Spinal Unit, at James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, where he remains more than four months since the stalls accident.
Friends and racing connections have organised a sponsored walk in aid of the Injured Jockey Fund (IJF), with funds raised specifically ring-fenced to help in Mr Lee’s recovery.
The walk, taking place at Middleham Gallops on Sunday April 14, takes in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside near Leyburn, in Wensleydale.
It will be followed by an auction of promises and a raffle, in the Bell Barn, at the Saddle Rooms restaurant at Tupgill Park.
Money raised from the walk will go directly to the IJF, a charity set up in 1964 following the career-ending falls of Tim Brookshaw and Paddy Farrell.
But it will primarily go towards helping to pay for Mr Lee’s ongoing care to allow him to return to his North Yorkshire home.
The walk is sponsored by North Residential Estate Agents, in Northallerton, and refreshments after the walk are being provided by The Saddle Room.
For those who cannot take part in the walk, a JustGiving page has been set up by North Residential in support of the fund.is fundraising for The Injured Jockeys Fund (justgiving.com).
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The walk starts at 10.30am, with four-legged canine friends welcome, providing they are on a lead.
Different routes will be marked out, so participants can choose their preferred option to suit age and ability.
Further information is available via Northallerton@northresidential.co.uk, or by calling (01677) 648011 to register for sponsorship forms.
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