A horse rider who suffered horrific injuries in a fall has backed the Equi-Trek Bramham International Horse Trials for choosing the Yorkshire Air Ambulance as its 2015 charity partner.
In June 2013 Michael Wood suffered severe multiple injuries after being thrown from his horse while riding near his Boltby home, near Thirsk.
The 56 year-old was airlifted by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) to the James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough where he spent more than a week fighting for his life in intensive care.
Michael said: Bramham is a wonderful event and I’m delighted they have chosen the Yorkshire Air Ambulance which provides such a vital service for the horse riding community.
When you do have a fall you are likely to be in a pretty inaccessible area for road ambulances to reach you.
The service provided by the crew and paramedics is amazing and since my accident I have become only too aware of the support for the YAA charity amongst horse riders throughout Yorkshire.
Since his accident entrepreneur Michael has raised more than £21,000 for the rapid response emergency charity that helped save his life.
Most of that came from a large fund raising party held at his Grade 11 listed home and Michael is also donating proceeds from a book he has written about his life and experience.
He was honoured last year by the YAA with a special Supporters Award at the charity’s annual Recognition Awards.
The Equi-Trek Bramham International Horse Trials is Yorkshire’s largest equestrian event and takes place over four action-packed days between June 11-14.
Event Director Nicholas Pritchard said: We’re looking forward to working with the YAA and hope we can raise a significant amount for this amazing charity. Any of us could need their services one day so let’s hope our visitors are as generous as ever.
Thousands of people are expected to watch eventing, show jumping, showing, young stock classes and Pony Club activities as well as enjoying family attractions and 160 trade stands.
