Grand National winner helps raise £60,000 for Spinal Research

A paralysed Grand National-winning jockey has helped raise more than £60,000 at Wetherby Racecourse’s annual Northern Raceday.

Graham Lee, who was paralysed from the neck down after a fall at Newcastle nearly two years ago, was among more than 300 guests at the fundraising event for Spinal Research.

Now in its 35th year, the event featured a champagne reception, a three-course lunch and a charity auction.

Lee, who won the Grand National in 2004 aboard Amberleigh House, said: “I’m delighted to be supporting Spinal Research and to be back at Wetherby.

“This has been an unbelievably tough time but Spinal Research has given me and my family hope for the future, and we want to do all we can to support their incredible work.”

Guests also heard from international equestrian Saffron Cresswell, who was paralysed in a fall at Bramham Horse Trials last year.

Both speakers sustained spinal cord injuries, which cause paralysis — the loss of movement and sensation below the level of injury.

Suzanne Redding, head of audience and community for Spinal Research, said: “We are so grateful to Wetherby Racecourse and every single person who supported the Northern Raceday.

“The science is here; the time is now and together we will cure paralysis.”

The Northern Raceday has now raised more than £850,000 for Spinal Research since it began 35 years ago.

The charity funds research into treatments and potential cures for spinal cord injury.