Since my accident I've become friends with Caroline Wareing and Susanna Wade. Like me they are both paralysed, and like me they are determined to walk and ride again.

You will probably have heard about Caroline's accident at the Staffordshire County Show last May. She was competing on her 4 year old Whalton Pearly Queen in the Hack Championship when the mare slipped, falling with Caroline underneath her, breaking her back and damaging her spinal cord.<

Caroline Wareing

"It was such a simple accident, but it means that I’m now paralysed. In a few seconds my life turned upside down. From being a very active person I am now unable to walk and I have to use a wheelchair. I have two young children and the things I miss most are being able to run after them in the garden or help them with their riding. That’s why the charity Spinal Research is so important to me - it funds vital research to treat paralysis caused by spinal cord injury – it gives me hope for the future.

Susanna Wade

I’ve been riding since I was a child with the Belvoir Pony Club and I’ve always loved horses. I was paralysed in 1991 in a car accident and was told that I wouldn’t be able to walk again. Riding was an important part of my life before I was paralysed and I didn’t want to give it up.

With help, I began to ride side-saddle. After two years I had regained enough core strength and stability to ride astride on my wonderful horse Piccadilly. We began competing together in Para Dressage and in 2007 we became Restricted Spring Champion, which was just amazing. Sadly Piccadilly died of Colic, which was a huge blow to me, but I was then invited to ride Painted Affair, Para Trust Training horse. We’ve had great success together and competed at International level. The aim now is to work hard towards London 2012.

It’s a huge honour carrying the Union Flag, but I would give it up to be able to walk again. Spinal Research is an inspiration to me.

Claire

I am still working hard on my rehab, as research has already proved that it's critical for me to keep my body moving and build up strength in my core muscles. The hope that Spinal Research gives me really boosts my motivation to achieve my goal – to walk again. It is only with your help that we can all get there. Please Stand and Be Counted with us and make a donation or organise an event, large or small for Spinal Research.

Please Stand and Be Counted and help us beat paralysis.

You can donate to the appeal through Just Giving or get involved by organising a fundriaising event.

Stand and Be Counted is sponsored by Point Two Air Jackets