Graham Lee is the reason I’m doing the Big Half. I admired him greatly in the weighing room; he conducted himself with pure class, and everything he did was immaculate. The way he and his family have handled his terrible, life-changing fall has been amazing. I was fortunate enough to visit Graham and his family in Middlesborough when he was in the hospital. They are incredibly close-knit and very strong for each other during this extremely difficult time.

The IJF has done so much for me, helping to rebuild my life after my fall in St. Moritz in 2017. I am now a trustee and use Oaksey House as the base for my Jockey Coaching Program work.

I’m delighted to do this for Graham and the IJF.

Below is some information on what the IJF is about:

The Injured Jockeys Fund provides appropriate support in a prompt and sympathetic manner to those jockey’s past or present who are injured, unable to ride, or generally in need. The Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) was founded in 1964 following the devastating accidents to Tim Brookshaw, and then Paddy Farrell in the 1964 Grand National. Both falls resulted in severe paralysis which immediately ended both their careers. Since then, the Fund has helped thousands of jockeys and their families and has paid out more than £20m in charitable assistance.

The Fund has a team of Regional and Centre Liaisons who work directly with beneficiaries on a support basis and a team of 20 volunteer visitors who stay connected with old and isolated beneficiaries offering friendship and company.

The IJF also works closely with racing authorities and other organisations on many initiatives such as funding on course physios and medical services, and research into improved riding protection equipment for jockeys. In 2009 the Fund opened its first Rehabilitation and Fitness Centre, Oaksey House in Lambourn, and in 2015 opened its second, Jack Berry House in Malton, for northern based jockeys. The trio was completed with the opening of Peter O’Sullevan House in Newmarket in October 2019.

In early 2023 the regional provision expanded via the opening of the Taunton Southwest Hub, based at Taunton Rugby Club.