Three years on from his career ending fall at St Moritz in February 2017, injured jockey, George Baker, has announced that he is to run 26.2 miles in the London Marathon on April 26th, 2020 to raise money for the Injured Jockeys Fund and Racing Welfare.
He was offered a place in the event by Racing Welfare, who kindly agreed to let him run for both charities together.
George says:
“My accident led to many months of recuperation from a brain injury. The Injured Jockeys Fund swung into action and the help and support of their rehabilitation teams has allowed me to lead a normal and happy life. I was so honoured, therefore, to be invited to become a Trustee of the charity last year, as I am a simple testament to what their work achieves in supporting jockeys and their families”.
He adds:
“I know that tackling a marathon is a challenge for everyone, but as my balance is not what it was, I have had to learn to walk and run again. What will keep me going is the pledge I’ve made to raise funds for both the Injured Jockeys Fund and Racing Welfare. My life in racing has given me first-hand insight into the amazing work both charities do to support their beneficiaries working across the sport, and not just in the saddle”.
George is training for the marathon with the help of the team at Oaksey House using their gym and physio facilities as well as the specialist Running School, London who also helped George learn to walk again three years ago.
Injured Jockeys Fund President, Sir Anthony McCoy says:
“Three years ago, George had to learn to walk again. And now he’s going to run the London marathon, one of the toughest things you can ever do. He says himself that it might not be pretty, but to me it’s totally remarkable and I admire him so much for even attempting it”.
George can be sponsored at:
https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/george-baker-SAVMLMBONDS333-2020-235644
