A special cheque presentation, to the East Anglian Air Ambulance, took place at the point-to-point meeting at Horseheath racecourse, on Saturday February 19th.
Fittingly young jockey, Will Featherstone, was there to present cheques totalling £750 to Roy Swain, the local, fundraising volunteer for the charity. Will is currently making an excellent recovery after his racing accident at Higham racecourse in mid-January.
Will Featherstone presenting a cheque to Roy Swain of East Anglian Air Ambulance. Also pictured from left to right Stephen Howlett (EARJC), Catherine Featherstone, David Featherstone and John Whyte (EARJC).
Photo by www.gdbphotography.co.uk
On the day of the Higham incident the air ambulance was summoned and landed in the centre of the racecourse. A decision was taken to transport Will, to Colchester Hospital, by land ambulance with two of the medical crew, the Doctor and a Critical Care Paramedic from the helicopter, accompanying Will in the ambulance, to monitor his situation.
The total amount consisted of a donation of £250 from Will’s parents, Catherine and David, together with a further £500 contribution from the committee of the East Anglian Retired Jockeys Club who hosted the Higham meeting. This was in appreciation of the expert medical services that Will received, on the course and the resultant journey to hospital.
Seventeen year-old Will suffered a head injury as a result of his unfortunate accident at the point-to-point fixture on January 16th. His progress, overall, has been excellent with Will and his parents grateful for the all the advice and assistance from Dr. Jerry Hill of the British Horseracing Association and also the Injured Jockey Fund ( IJF), since the accident.
After two CT scans and a more informative, recent MRI equivalent it still shows small bleeds on his brain. A further MRI scan will be undertaken after another six weeks have elapsed but in the meantime Will has been given the all clear to start exercising but not to ride, at present. The facilities via the IJF at Peter O’Sullivan House in Newmarket and Oaksey House at Lambourn are available to Will, where he will be able to receive the best, appropriate support to aid his recovery. Will works at the professional stable of Lambourn trainer, Jamie Snowden with Oaksey House, which specialises in head injuries, situated in the same area.
Considering the relatively short time since the accident, the news has, fortunately, always been positive and young Will’s determination to achieve full fitness will be rewarded, in the not too distant future. “
Through the efforts of the organising committee of the East Anglian Retired Jockeys Club, the Waveney Harriers and the Higham Course Committee, together with the contributions, sponsorship and support on the day, this inaugural fixture was a success. As a result, the organising committee are delighted to make additional donations of £2500 to each of the original nominated beneficiaries, Racing Welfare and the Injured Jockeys Fund. Cheques will be presented to representatives of these charities, at the Higham meeting on Good Friday, April 15th.
