Cornwall Farmers is supporting former jockey, Sarah Gaisford, as she embarks on the Liberty Trails Dartmoor Challenge, a 10 mile endurance ride on April 12 in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund

Sarah, from Buckfastleigh in south Devon, was left paralysed from the chest down after a fall at Exeter Racecourse in 2007. Despite sustaining life-changing injuries, Sarah has surpassed doctors’ expectations and is back in the saddle once more.

Sarah will be joined on this challenging journey by racing legends including former BBC presenter and jockey Richard Pitman, former champion jockey and Channel 4 Racing presenter John Francome MBE and top National Hunt trainer Philip Hobbs.

Sarah said, “Taking part in the Liberty Trails Dartmoor Challenge is an incredible and very rewarding challenge. Before my accident, I spent every minute I could with horses and now, to be back riding regularly again and looking after Gypsy, who has kindly been loaned to me by Cherie Walker for the challenge, is wonderful. We are training nearly every day building up the distance we are covering so that we’re fit enough to complete the challenge.

“I am so grateful to Cornwall Farmers for their generous sponsorship and to everyone else who is supporting me in my attempt to raise £20,000 for the IJF which has played such a crucial part in my rehabilitation.”

Cornwall Farmers is donating ten weeks’ worth of supplies to help Sarah as she trains for the challenge with Gypsy. This includes feed, bedding and grooming equipment.

Shelley Fletcher-Bryant, Head of Marketing at Cornwall Farmers, said: “Sarah’s story is truly inspiring. We are proud to be sponsoring this significant event, and supporting Sarah as she reaches another milestone in her recovery.

“We hope the supplies we have provided will enable Sarah to build a close bond with her new horse and help her achieve even more staggering feats.”

Sponsorship raised from the Dartmoor Challenge will be presented to the Injured Jockeys Fund, which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary, at Exeter Racecourse on October 9. The charity has provided medical care, medical consultations and regular treatment to more than 1000 beneficiaries.

Elaine Prior, owner of Liberty Trails, said: “As this is the longest ride Sarah has attempted since her accident, you can imagine just how unbelievably excited she is.

“We are absolutely delighted at the prospect of working with Cornwall Farmers. As a customer who enjoys a great relationship with all the team in the nearby Tavistock branch, I know they will be a great support and help us succeed in raising money for the IJF.”