https://www.ssit.org.uk
So much has happened this summer that it’s
hard to know where to start, One thing that I am so excited about it signing up
to work with SSIT on the leg up for talent program. Leg up for talent is a
social media marketing tool which supports riders to achieve their equestrian
dreams, by either finical support or gifts in kind from companies who in return
receive a weekly lifestyle post advertising their product or business. I have been with Leg up for talent just over
12 months now and I am working with 4 other companies, but I have never worked
with a charity on the program before. It will be so relevant working with SSIT
I can’t wait to support the work they do and help raise money for such an
amazing charity.
The first time I came across
SSIT was when I was chosen to take part in the Internal spinal games
representing Salisbury hospital back in 2016. SSIT sponsored the team kit and
we had lovely blue and orange tracksuits to wear!! Someone from SSIT came to
talk to us about the great work they do. SSIT’s goal is to assist people with
spinal cord injury, enabling independence and quality of life. This can mean
anything from funding resources for the spinal centre to funding individual
needs in respect of specialist equipment or other assistance. It was nearly 2
years since then that I got involved with SSIT again and since this recent meeting
the relationship has snowballed.
It started when I had been
thinking of ways I could fund a hoist to be installed in the arena for me to
mount Super Flynn the para horse. I already had a hoist on the lorry so didn’t
need a whole new system just the arm and the rsj to fix it on. As I had said
previously I knew SSIT gave grants to individuals so I phone the charity to ask
how I went about applying for a grant. I had to download the application form,
fill it in and send a quote for the item I wanted and a supporting letter from
my therapist to explain the advantages of the item I required. I did all this
and was over the moon when I had a phone call to say my application had been
approved and they would fund this piece of equipment.
I had a RSJ donated by my
friends husband Tony Bleakman and Beth’s Dad installed this by the arena. The
hoist was fitted by dolphin mobility and when we were up and running I took
loads of pictures and wrote a thank you note to SSIT saying how grateful I was
for their help and generosity. A few weeks went by and I had a phone call from
a gentleman called Piers Williams asking to meet me so they could do a story
for their website. Of course I agreed as anything I could do to help I would. Piers
came to my house with a lady called Victoria Downs who is the fund raising and
event manager for SSIT. We had a lovely morning chatting all about the
accident, injury and future. They were so lovely and supportive to my para
dressage dream.
Victoria said they were organising a skydive
day and would I know anyone who would want to do a sky dive while raising funds
for SSIT, well I have quite a few friends who I could ask. So I agreed to
support them. My sister and 4 other friends signed up to the challenge and we
set about some fund raising ideas. Jane, Hannah and Sue who are all nurses I
worked with before my accident and that are very special friends organised a
cake sale and raffle and also did a car boot. With hard work they managed to
raise over £2000. Vicky is organising a skittle’s night and raffle, and has a
fund raising page and is nearly up to £500. I have really enjoyed helping out
at these events and it so nice to help give something back. I think in total
the sky dive has raised over £10,000 for SSIT. The Sky dive took place this
weekend on 15th September at Go skydive. IT was a fantastic set up
and every one taking part had a lovely day. The weather was beautiful and I
think the sun shines on the righteous. Jumping out of a plane at 10,000 feet
and freefalling at 125MPH is something else, so what a fantastic achievement
for the girls. Just amazing!!
After meeting up with Piers
and Victoria and them offering me help with my para dressage I asked them if
they would be interested in the Leg up for talent program, where I could
advertise lifestyle post for them in return for their help with the grants they
have donated. I think it going to be a fantastic partnership as so apt for me.
I have been introduced to some wonderful people who have really supported me. I
applied for a grant for a bespoke dressage saddle and am now the proud owner of
a lovely one! My saddler Paul Allison from Berkshire who has done work with
many Para riders, is helping to adapt my saddle to my specifications and is
doing an amazing job by hand stitching it, Paul has made me my dressage whips
which I uses to give instruction to Flynn instead of my leg aids and I have
some loop reins which have helped massively. He is very knowledgeable and I am
really pleased to be working with him.
None of this would have been
possible without the support I had from the SSIT charity and I am looking forward
to blogging for them weekly about the great work they do!
wow such a great amount raised by all who were involved in the skydive, over £13,000 and funds still coming in. If you would like to donate you can add any amount small or large to at http://www.mydonate.bt.com search for fundraiser Victoria Totterdell
