DIY SOS January programme airing DIY SOS January programme airing

South Downs Riding for the Disabled Group

South Downs Riding for the Disabled group based at Bridge House Equestrian Centre, Slinfold have
been celebrating their 40th anniversary this year, the highlight being a celebratory event in June for all
riders, volunteers and supporters of the group which included professional equine displays,
demonstrations by their own riders, afternoon tea and lots more.

One major and very exciting event during 2017 was the selection of one of their riders, Amanda Worne,
to feature in the BBC television programme DIY SOS. Amanda suffered an horrific cycling accident in
August 2015 on Bury Hill, West Sussex, which left her paralysed from the waist down, but this
inspirational woman aged 44 with four children refused to allow this set-back to get her down, and in
addition to other sports activities, in 2016 she started riding with the South Downs group and indeed took
part in a dressage display at their anniversary celebrations. Whilst the DIY SOS team were carrying out
the work on Amanda and husband Vic’s home at Arundel, presenter Nick Knowles and the team came to
Slinfold to film her riding. The episode featuring Amanda is due to air on 4th January 2018 on BBC1 at
8.00 pm.

Despite her life changing injuries, Amanda now works part time at Stoke Mandeville hospital and has
published a book, ‘The Sky Is Not The Limit’ under the name of Amanda Newton, published by John
Blake Books, about her life during the first year after her accident.

The group’s final fundraising event of the year is a raffle of two return flights to New York, generously
donated by Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd. Tickets can be purchased direct from volunteers or online at:
www.zaffo.com/riding-for-the-disabled
The tickets are £5 each and the draw will take place on Thursday, 11th January 2018. All profits will go to
South Downs RDA group.

The group are always delighted to hear from any individuals or organisations that would be interested in
becoming involved in their work, there are many ways in which people can help and further information
can be found on their website at: www.southdownsrda.org.

Contact for further information:
Jayne Simpson – jaynesimpson500

01798 872705

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