Today marks 8 years since my life changing injury as a result of a racing accident back in 2015.

Paralysed from the neck down, I was flown to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth where I had a 7 hour life saving operation. The surgeon rebuilt my neck using a bone graft from my hip and used metal plates and screws to fix it in place, and in doing so, he gave me a small glimmer of hope that I could walk again some day.

I remained in hospital for a further 3 weeks receiving intensive care, before being flown by the air to Oswestry Spinal Unit where I continued to recover for 5 months. It was in Oswestry when I regained small movements in my arms and legs. At this point it was all go to try and recover as much movement as possible.

After showing significant signs of progress, I was later moved to Oaksey House in Lambourn, a well-known rehabilitation centre for injured jockeys. I lived at Oaksey House for 4 months, receiving ongoing specialised and intense physio, and 24/7 care.

After a gruelling 10 months of mental and physical recovery, I was finally able to leave Oaksey House and return home to Herefordshire. At this point, I had progressed from being bed-bound to being able to walk short distances on crutches and live independently, with the support of a wheelchair, my family and the injured jockeys fund.

Fast forward 8 years and with continued physio and strength and conditioning training provided by the injured jockeys fund, I have successfully completed many challenges, including walking the parade ring at Newbury Racecourse unaided and the 9 Lives Challenge.

I am always searching for new challenges to push me out of my comfort zone, so on that note, I would like to announce that I have set myself the enormous challenge of walking to the top of Mount Snowdon this summer!!

I will be using my specialised carbon fibre leg splints, crutches and a small select team to help me along the way. Training has already begun, with a date set in early August to complete the challenge.

This challenge is going to be extremely difficult for me with many unknowns, but since my accident, my life has been all about adapting, overcoming and taking things one ‘step’ at a time, so I feel confident that I can give it my all. I’d like to thank the Injured Jockeys fund who have continually supported me from day 1, and the Air ambulance who rescued me. For that reason, I would like to raise as much money as possible to support them.

I will post regular training updates on my social media so that you can follow my progress and journey to the top. Please support me in any way you can, with whatever you can. Thank you so much.

Ed