Father and daughter in step for paralysis cure

A father and daughter are taking on this year’s London Marathon to help find a cure for paralysis.

Jeremy Taylor is an experienced runner but his 18-year-old daughter Tabitha will be among the youngest taking part in the world’s largest marathon in April for Spinal Research.

Her Mum Amanda, a former international event rider, was lucky to walk away after a serious accident while competing at Highclere Castle in 2001 and her grandmother also broke her back twice after horse-riding falls.

“My Mum and Grandmother were very lucky, but I also know riders like Saffron Cresswell and Nicola Wilson who have had career-ending spinal cord injuries after falls, so this is a cause that means a lot to me and my Dad,” said the talented teenager who hopes to become a professional event rider.

Proud Dad Jeremy, who runs the Cricket St Thomas Estate in Somerset, has completed a staggering 53 marathons since first putting on his running shoes in 2007, and this will be his eighth London Marathon. 

Jeremy Taylor who is running the London Marathon with his daughter Tabitha

But it will be the first time he has taken on the 26.2mile challenge with his daughter. “It will be something really special to cross the line with her, especially doing this together for a cause which is so close to both our hearts,” said Jeremy, 58.

“Amanda’s horse landed on top of her and she suffered crushed vertebrae and a broken neck which led to major surgery to have massive bolts inserted to support her spine.

“She was incredibly lucky and Tabitha’s grandmother has also broken her back a couple of times in falls so we are both really motivated to raise as much as we can to support Spinal Research for those that have not been so fortunate.”

Every two hours someone in the UK is paralysed after a spinal cord injury. It can happen to anyone at any time with devastating consequences for them and their loved ones. 

Spinal Research is the leading UK charity funding and supporting the best research around the world to develop life-changing new treatments and therapies for those paralysed after a spinal cord injury.

To support Jeremy and Tabitha go to their JustGiving fundraising pages: https://www.justgiving.com/page/tabby-taylor-1 and https://www.justgiving.com/page/jeremy-taylor-6