Sarah Gaisford

2008-05-01T05:47:00.000-07:00

I've been getting out and about a lot recently which has been really good. We had dinner with Seamus and Sally Mullins which was lovely and last weekend Jack took me to Monkey World in Weymouth which was good fun. We also went to Bridport and I'm hoping to ride again soon.
We also went to the Stoke Mandeville Inter Spinal Hospitals games and our team won the overall competitions which was great. I also won the archery, I was top in the shooting for the girls, third in the swimming and third in the table tennis.
Physio is going well and I'm coming out on May 30, by which time I will hopefully have found somewhere to live.

2008-04-10T07:18:00.001-07:00

Plea for help from Sarah Gaisford

SARAH Gaisford, who was paralysed in a fall at Exeter Racecourse in December, has sent out a plea for help to find a new home close to where she lives in Buckfastleigh, South Devon.
Sarah’s home is unsuitable for wheel chair access, but with discharge imminent from the spinal unit at Salisbury Hospital, she currently has no home to go to.
Sarah said: “My house is on a hill and I can’t get into it with a wheel chair. It’s been very hard trying to find somewhere to live. Ideally I need to rent a home with two bedrooms for about six months while I try to buy suitable accommodation. It needs to be on level ground and also close to my daughter Jasmin’s school at Ashburton.”
Sarah has been undergoing physiotherapy at the spinal unit and is hoping to sit on a horse soon at a riding centre for the disabled. Next week she will be taking part in inter hospital games for people who have recently been injured at Stoke Mandeville Hosptial.
If anyone can help Sarah, please contact Lucy Johnson on 07866 497976.

2008-02-18T05:38:00.001-08:00

I didn't manage to go to Wincanton on Saturday as I haven't been too well but my daughter Jasmin came up and we went to Salisbury Cathedral. She's here now with her friend Chloe massaging my feet.
Physio is going well and I'm working on getting myself out of bed rather than using a winch. Physio is demanding, but it is good because it is a challenge and that makes me feel better.
If I'm honest I'm feeling a bit pants as I come to terms with everything. It's very hard.
I've been thinking about getting myself a horse, so that I don't have to sit in this stupid wheel chair. My dad has a really nice pony called Cracker and a cart so maybe I'll try that. I've never been a happy hacker but I need to think of ways to get around so I need to find myself a nice pony - and a house with a field to keep it in.
I would like to say a big thankyou to all the girls who were raising money for me at Buckfastleigh yesterday and to everyone at the South Dorset point-to-point. I'm really so very grateful.

2008-02-11T03:51:00.000-08:00

Ladies take a leap for Sarah
A PARACHUTE jump of a different kind will take place in April when point-to-point jockeys Lucy Gardner, Jenny Carr, and Claire Little don their racing gear and take a leap for Sarah.
The three are planning to plummet to earth in full racing regalia in aid of the Sarah Gaisford Fund, set up for Sarah .
Jenny, 19, who has ridden four winners to date and works for Polly Gundry, said: “I knew Sarah when I first went to Jimmy Frost on work experience when I was 14 and she was always incredibly kind and helpful. She is now a great friend and I would like to think if something like that happened to me, someone would help out.”
So far the trio have raised nearly £800. If you would like to help, call Jenny on 07706550218.

2008-02-07T05:10:00.000-08:00

"I've been at Odstock for nearly two weeks now and it's a great place. I've been out and about in my wheel chair and I've learned the art of performing wheelies, thanks to the great help given to me by the physios.
"There are times when I do feel very down and frustrated and the progress I made at Exeter was a little too quick so I've had to take a few steps back but it is very, very good here. I'm hoping Robert Alner will be here soon so that I can watch the racing on his telly!
"I'm planning to go to Wincanton Races a week on Saturday where I'll be able to see my friends and I would also really like people to come and visit.
"My dog Lily is coming to see me tomorrow and then we are going to the pub!"
"It has been quite tiring, but I'll be updating more regularly again now."

2008-01-19T10:24:00.000-08:00

I went out on my own today - down the lift and up the hill to the main entrance.
Managed to get a puncture so had to find someone kind enough to rescue me with their bicyle pump!

2008-01-18T04:09:00.001-08:00

"I'm moving to the specialist spinal treatment centre at Salisbury Hospital, Odstock on Monday which I'm delighted about as it is another huge step forward.
I had asked the doctors if I could home as it seemed pointless being in hospital but hopefully now I will be able to make some progress.
I've been in the wheel chair for about 3 hours a day and Jack has taken me to the pub for a guiness which was great. We tried to play pool but it was quite difficult in a wheel chair although I'm sure I'll get better! We are going to have a little party there with close friends on Sunday before I go to Odstock.
I'm really sorry I haven't been able to see many people, but I still get very tired. I'm hoping that once I get to Odstock, this will change.
I've heard it is a fantastic facility and I'm really looking forward to going."

2008-01-14T12:08:00.001-08:00

A SUPPORT fund has been set up in aid of Sarah. Those wishing to contribute to the special Weatherbys bank account can send a cheque, made out to the Sarah Gaisford Fund, to the Amateur Jockeys'Association, Crews Hill House, Alfrick, Worcester, WR6 5HF.
A name and address should be supplied in order for the payment of tax to be avoided.
Alternatively, donations can be left at the office of Gordon Chambers at Sawdye and Harris, West Street, Ashburton, Devon, TQ13 7DT. Those with queries should contact Sarah Oliver on 01886 884488.

2008-01-09T05:35:00.000-08:00

"I spent three quarters of an hour in the wheel chair on Monday and again yesterday and it was so good to get out into the fresh air although I think I should be given a wheel barrow, rather than an NHS wheel chair, as they can go to far more places.
"Reality is beginning to hit now and I want to get to Odstock as soon as possible for my rehabilitation to start."

2008-01-06T08:43:00.000-08:00

"I'm totally overwhelmed by all the cards I have received and when I look at them, it picks me up knowing everyone is thinking of me. They are such a help.
"I'm feeling quite jolly and positive today and was singing along to the radio this morning so I must be feeling better. I'm also coming off the pain killers which is much better. I'm so determined I'm going to walk again and I'm going to beat this.
"I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone soon although at the moment I'm still very tired so I would just like close friends and relatives to visit me.
"On Friday I went into a wheel chair for the first time and this week I'll be going in it everyday. I'm also looking forward to when I get my own really snazzy wheel chair and seeing everyone at the races!"

2007-12-31T04:34:00.000-08:00

Sarah sends this message: "Thank you so much to everyone who has sent me messages. Reading them means so much to me and they are helping to keep my spirits up."

2007-12-27T03:13:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Sarah was moved from the intensive care unit to Durbin Ward at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital where she will continue to receive treatment until she is transferred to a specialist spinal unit. If you are planning to visit, do please contact the ward or the family first. (Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital 01392 411611).

2007-12-24T03:38:00.000-08:00

Sarah has had many emails and calls from friends and acquaintances which she very much appreciates. Yesterday, she rested for most of the day.

Sarah Gaisford

2007-12-22T12:07:00.000-08:00

We have created this blog so that you can send your best wishes to Sarah Gaisford .
Sarah is currently in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital intensive care unit where she is recovering following her fall at Exeter on Thursday when she broke her back.
On Thursday night Sarah had an operation to take the pressure off her spinal cord. The dotors will now give the bruising time to heal and they will also see how well the nerve-endings put themselves back together.