Paralysed former point rider Ed Barrett to walk circuit of Newbury parade ring

Former point-to-point jockey Ed Barrett, who suffered a life-threatening fall in a race three and a half years ago, will walk a lap of Newbury's parade ring without crutches during Saturday's Mill Reef Stakes meeting to raise money for the Injured Jockeys Fund and The Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation.

Barrett, who was paralysed after his horse fell and kicked him in the neck at Upcott in April 2015, underwent an operation to rebuild his neck and spent six months in hospital. Following a further four months at the Injured Jockeys Rehabilitation and Fitness Centre and Oaksey House, he can now walk short distances with the aid of crutches.

The 30-year-old from Herefordshire said: "Whilst at Oaksey House, I came up with the idea to walk a lap of a racecourse paddock both to give myself a goal and to promote the work of the Injured Jockeys Fund and all the help they have given me.

"I also hope one day there will be a cure for spinal cord injuries so have chosen to raise money equally for The Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation."

Barrett, who anticipates one lap of Newbury's parade ring will take around 20-25 minutes, added that he has managed to take part in numerous activities despite the severity of the injury.

"Having a spinal injury changes your life and there is a lot to overcome. However, it's not all doom and gloom – I have managed to walk short distances without crutches, ride a pony, swim in a pool, drive a car, drive a tractor, swing a golf club and scuba dive!"

You can support Barrett's efforts here.

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