In a week where the dangers of horse riding have been unusually highlighted in the media, The Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund reports that requests for help from injured riders have increased three fold, following the launch of its 21st Anniversary POUNDCATCHER Appeal in early September. This has placed unprecedented demand on the Charity’s funds.
“The message is definitely getting across that the Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund is the only UK charity which helps all those injured in horse-related accidents and in need (outside of racing) – not just at top level competition and not just in eventing. However, only a fraction of our Poundcatcher fundraising target has been reached to date,” explains Zara Phillips, patron of The Fund.
“All those involved with horses, in any shape or form, will acknowledge the risks and that accidents could so easily happen to them. So we would appeal to everyone to make a donation if they can.” ends Zara.
Readers can support the Campaign by:
- Choosing the Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund Christmas cards this year. Prices start at £4.50 for a pack of 10 with a choice of 4 equestrian designs. Order forms can be found at www.mdirf.co.uk
- Purchasing raffle tickets at all the events on ‘The Champions Tour’ – the series of entertaining lecture demonstrations by Geoff Billington and Oliver Townend held at various venues throughout Ireland, Scotland and England in November 2009 and January 2010. www.thechampionstour.co.uk/
- Encouraging their riding club, pony club, livery yard or riding school to organise their own fundraising events. Ideas and tips for fundraising can be find in the guide available for download from http://www.mdirf.co.uk/support-us/organise-your-own/
- Donating on-line at http://www.justgiving.com/Poundcatcher-mdirf/
Since it’s inception in 1988, the Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund has provided well over a million pounds’ worth of help to injured riders and their families in need.
Recent examples of people in genuine need who have received assistance from The Fund include:
- a 27 year old polocrosse player and former PA, who suffered a bleed on the brain 3 years ago and who The Fund is helping to retrain as a nursery nurse
- and a riding instructor who suffered a back injury and had reached the limit of his medical insurance.
