“Just to say thank you again for the donation which enabled me to work at a nursery for a year while I undertook my NVQ 2 in Childrens Care Learning and Development.

I completed the NVQ which was awarded to me in September and I have since got a job with a Pre-School on a part time basis working with the 2&3 year olds.

I have managed to do a bit more riding this year and even won a have a go at polo afternoon with Mint Polo in the Park, it was a very sedate affair but still managed to have a go!”

Phillipa Russell

 54000 people taking place in the UK’s biggest ½ marathon – what had I let myself in for?!

Over the last few years the organisers have had to contend with runners suffering from heat stroke – not a problem this year, as at 6am I opened my curtains to torrential rain. Yes having to get up at 6am in order to run 13 miles – wasn’t high on my list of priorities, but I’d said I’d do it, and I was going to see it through.

Fortunately I was running with 4 old university friends, so we rallied together and after fuelling up with breakfast – set off for South Shields where we were leaving the car.

It seemed sensible to leave early, park at the finish so we had the vehicle for when we were exhausted, but after parking and walking miles to get the shuttle bus to Newcastle, then miles to find the baggage bus which would take our gear to the finish then another mile to the start – it was starting to seem like this was becoming a marathon – not ½ – we were exhausted before the main event!

However excitement and anticipation did start to kick in as we made our way to our starting zone and saw the thousands of people already in the ‘holding pens’ warming up to the music. With the red arrows completing a fantastic formation fly by we were ready and willing to go, and as Ant and Dec got us started and began to greet people and read out the charities they were running for, it started to hit home how many charities rely on events like this for their income. The Prostate Cancer Charity (who I was running for) had their largest team ever, and with over 400 runners were hoping to raise over £280k from the day.

We finally crossed the start line at around 11.30am – almost an hour after it started (we were right at the back)! And so began the battle with the road – I was soon to find out that around 2/3 of the course is up hill. Not ideal for the guy in the full suit of armour, or the guy dressed as a donkey carrying a load of bricks, or for those from the army carrying their 15 kg packs.

The most memorable thing (part from the aching joints) was the mood of the runners and the crowd, everyone was there to help someone else, or remember a loved one – several runners had the name of a loved one on the back of their T-shirt so say who they were running for, which makes you remember why you’re doing it – and why its important. For me – this one was for the Dad’s, and for Ian and Robin – we miss you.

I’m still in awe of the gentlemen from the army who had run 23 marathons in 23 days, this one was his last 13 miles – I hope he enjoyed his beer at the end!

I’m extremely grateful to everyone’s support and thrilled to be able to say we’ve raised over £1000 for Prostate Cancer and the Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund.

I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone for your generosity, I know these charities will be extremely grateful and will put the money to good use.

For those that are interested – I did manage to run the whole way – which was my goal, and complete in 2.45 hrs – hopefully not bad for a beginner!

For those of you who are tempted for next year – Go for it, it’s a once in a lifetime.

Lincoln JumpCross Eventer’s Challenge 22^nd of June 2010

This year’s Lincoln JumpCross Eventer’s Challenge was a huge success and a great day had by all. Some of the top riders took up the challenge of competing at the fabulous JumpCross course at Grange Farm, Wittering including Oliver Townend, Piggy French, Clayton and Lucinda Fredricks and Angus Smales (last years winner).  The sunshine and relaxed atmosphere all helped in making the day run smoothly.

With 38 riders all competing for the £5000 prize fund and almost every jump in sight it was pure excitement for the spectators.

The final line up was as follows:

1^st Mark Kyle, Step In Time

2^nd Dan Jocelyn, Brookfield de Bouncer

3^rd Mark Todd, NZB Mouse

4^th Carol Pearson, Major Promise

5^th Ben Hobday, Not Just A Toy

6^th JP Sheffield, DHI Veni Vedi Vici

7^th Phoebe Buckley, Flash Gordon

8^th Jeanette Brakewell, Hope Cove

9^th Jo Chipperfield, On Your Marks

10^th Duarte Seabra, Fernhill Bertucelli

Throughout the day Lincoln raised money for The Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund by holding an auction and raffle with fantastic prizes such as a lesson with Jeanette Brakewell around the JumpCross course, a lesson and yard visit with Piggy French, two tickets to Burghley which includes a course walk with Angus Smales, lesson with Nicola Sheard show jumper with the lesson being featured in Horse Scene Magazine, Fendi Sunglasses and much more.  There was also an opportunity to win an Nintendo Wii Console simply by having ago and trying to achieve the highest score! The total proceeds collected for this very worthy charity was £1,350.

Show rider, Wayne Cox and his cousin, Trevor from Milton Keynes will be making an ‘equine’ entry into the Barcelona Bangers rally, driving from Calais to Barcelona on 21-23 May 2010.

Wayne (who shows coloureds, mountain and moorlands and sports horses) and  Trevor plan to repaint and decorate their very old Volvo (Gloria) as a horse and dress up as riders to drive the 900 mile route in the 3 days.   Co-ordinating this equine team challenge and assisting in the car’s adaptations will be Jane Cox (Wayne’s wife) and Katie Ramsden who works for him.

“Luckily we have never had to use the Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund ourselves but a very close friend of mine lost her life riding a very well behaved pony and you know that injuries can happen to even the best riders on the best horses,” explains Katie.

To be eligible, cars have to be worth no more than £200 but be completely road legal.  Wayne and Trevor are hoping their trusty Volvo will make it back home in one piece, when it will also be sold to raise money for the MDIRF.

Last year, the rally attracted over 60 entries, with only around 20 of them finishing.

To support Wayne and Trevor in this unusual fund raising venture, visit www.justgiving.com/wayne-cox.

NEW-CONCEPT CALENDAR TO RAISE MONEY FOR MDIRF A new calendar featuring twelve beautiful pictures taken by professional photographer Pete Glowski of equestriennes imitating famous adverts and films with an equestrian twist, will go on sale from 7 December. Proceeds will be shared between Cancer Research UK and The Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund. Priced at £7.99 (+ P&P) further details and how to purchase are available from Pete Glowski on 01494-870-397 or by email.

MDIRF Ambassador, Matt Baker

Last Sunday (15 November), BBC Country File viewers witnessed Matt Baker’s fall  from a horse whilst filming a piece riding out in the Lambourn area.  As  one of the Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund’s Ambassadors, Matt was quick to point out to camera that his body protector is worth its weight in gold; and telephoned the charity the day after his fall:

“It shows you how falls can happen just like that and to anyone.  I escaped with a cracked vertebra and am just a bit sore.  But yet again it made me think that others often aren’t so lucky and that everybody needs to be supporting our ‘Poundcatcher’ campaign to ensure The Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund can continue to pick up the pieces of those in need.”

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Ian Olding who sadly died in an eventing fall on Sunday 26 April at Belton Horse Trials. Our thanks go out in advance to all those who do contribute to the Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund in his memory.

47 year old Ian was a BHS Instructor who was originally from Belfast and taught at Somerford Park Farm Equestrian Centre in Sandbach, for the past 4 years.
For more info www.horseandhound.co.uk

Congratulations to 33 year old, Rachel Booth who completed this year’s London Marathon in 5 hours and one minute, running in memory of her late mother, Jane Booth who was killed in a riding accident in September 2004, and has so far raised over £1,000.

“It was really tough as it was baking hot, but the crowds were amazing. I ran with a hobby horse to symbolise the MDIRF as well as wearing a T-shirt with the charity’s logo on it. Lots of people made comments about my horse!,” reports Rachel.

“The reason I ran for the MDIRF was that I was present at my mother’s accident and it’s taken a long time for my family and me to come to terms with life without her. Losing my mum completely shattered our lives. She taught me to ride at the age of 6 when my brother and me were lucky enough to get our 1st pony – a grey Welsh Mountain called Snoopy. Despite everything that’s happened, riding remains an important part of my life – keeping me sane! My mum would have wanted me to carry on riding, as it meant the same to her, it was her way of life, her passion. She always said you have to get straight back on when you fall off,” she continued.

Rachel originally came from Northumberland and is happily married and now living in Hampshire. Formerly a Firefighter, she is now a Secondary School Maths Teacher.

“Running the Marathon is a way I felt I could help others who have been involved in or affected by a riding accident. I also organised a non-uniform day at our school” adds Rachel.

If you’re quick you can still recognise Rachel’s efforts at www.justgiving.com/rachsrun

As champions of rider safety, the MDIRF stand (261, near the Main Arena) at Badminton Horse Trials (7-10 May) will be showcasing and raising funds through sales of two of the very latest safety initiatives now available to British riders:

• The UTAG Sport Wrist Band which electronically stores important personal and medical details in the event of an emergency for instant access by emergency services. Click here for more details
• Point-two inflatable jackets. For further details visit  www.point-two.co.uk

In addition,  a full body protector fitting and sales service will be available on the stand as well as a collection of top name clothes at super bargain prices.  Please drop in and see us.