Ridgeway Sponsored Ride

Earlier this year equestrian legend Ginny Elliot accepted the invitation by Spinal Research to become a Patron and in particular to become the figure-head for their Saddle-Up Campaign. The Campaign was developed for riders by riders to raise funds for a cause that is close to their hearts - mending broken backs and necks. "This issue is so important for riders. And Spinal Research's work is vital for future generations of riders. I'm glad to be part of it", was Ginny's response.

Spinal Research believes that impending treatments will benefit those who have already sustained paralysing injuries and prevent those who will break their neck or back in the future from becoming permanently paralysed. The Saddle-Up Campaign has already raised over £30,000 for the charity's new research programme but they need to raise £3 million a year to pay for clinical trials in 2005.

Ginny has supported the Trust in so many ways, but she wanted to do something positive to help get clinical trials up and running and she came up with the idea of the Ridgeway Sponsored Ride. Ginny recalls the buzz of riding into London over 15 years ago in support of the Wishing Well Appeal and would like to recreate some of the goodwill she encountered on her route to raise funds for Spinal Research.

The 4-day sponsored ride is planned for Thursday 25th July to Sunday 28th July 2002. The ride will take place along the Ridgeway Trail, starting in Oxfordshire and finishing at the Stoke Mandeville Spinal Unit in Buckinghamshire. The total length of the ride will be about 60 miles, covering a distance of about 15 miles per day. Ginny Elliot will be riding the entire route and up to 60 riders per day will be invited to join her. Riders will pay an entry fee to join the ride for their chosen day and be encouraged to get sponsorship for the ride with a minimum target of £100.

"The ride is a non-timed event allowing riders an ideal opportunity to spend time with their horse and other riders on a beautiful stretch of the English countryside". Said Nicolette Thomas, Events Manager. "Even if you don't ride there will be plenty of opportunity to get involved with the event by helping out over the course of the ride".

If you would like to join the ride or find out how you can help, call Nicolette on 01483 898 786 or e-mail saddle-up@spinal-research.org. Alternatively write to Ridgeway Sponsored Ride at Spinal Research, 8a, Bramley Business Centre, Station Road, Bramley, Guildford GU5 0AZ

http://www.spinal-research.org.