Wayne Burton, A former jockey, paralysed from the chest down after a fall, will be taking on the London Marathon this weekend.
Wayne’s life changed in an instant 16 years ago in a fall during a handicap hurdle at Exeter Racecourse. He broke his back and suffered a serious head and spinal cord injury, learning to talk again as well as coming to terms with life in a wheelchair.
Since his accident in 2008, Wayne has channelled his indomnitable spirit and sporting drive into a range of charity fundraising feats for the Injured Jockey’s Fund and Racing Welfare including a 200km handcycle and a skydive with the Red Arrows.
But this weekend’s London Marathon will be the 40-year-old’s biggest challenge. Wayne, who lives at Oaksey House, Lambourn, had only managed 5km in his wheelchair at the beginning of the year but completed 18 miles last weekend after a rigorous training schedule.
And he’s determined to complete the 26.2miles in his wheelchair to raise money for Spinal Research, to help fund research into the repair and restoration of the spinal cord, with the goal of curing paralysis.
“This has certainly been the biggest fundraising challenge of my life”
Wayne Burton, on taking on the 2024 London Marathon
“I think having being a sportsman for most of my life you have a particular determination and competitive spirit which has been really important over the last few months.
“I’ve also had a lot of help from my physio at Oaksey House, Scott Reed, who will be my runner during the London Marathon. Doing this for Spinal Research is also such a privilege that will definitely spur me on.
“I do miss just being able to run and to play football but if someone asked me what would be the first thing you would want back, it wouldn’t be to walk again. It would be to have control of my bowel and bladder and I know that there is a lot of research going on in this area that really needs support.”
Every four hours someone in the UK is paralysed after a spinal cord injury. It can happen to anyone at any time. Spinal Research is the leading medical charity focused on the repair and restoration of the spinal cord with the goal of curing paralysis.
Chief Executive Louisa McGinn said: “We exist to cure paralysis and believe in a future where it is no longer a life sentence. Thanks to the innovative research we’ve already funded, many experimental treatments are showing huge potential.
“The science is moving forward, and alongside our incredible supporters like Wayne, we’re committed to raising the money that’s needed to ensure the power of that research can transform the lives of people with a spinal cord injury.”
Wayne is nearly at his fundraising target, but you can help him get across the line and support life changing research! Visit his fundraising page to show him your support.
Together we can cure paralysis.
