Injured jockey Graham Lee has given his first interview from hospital since sustaining life-changing injuries in a freak fall at Newcastle in November.
Jockey Graham Lee has thanked the public for their “incredible support” after the jockey suffered life-changing injuries in a fall from a horse in Newcastle in November.
Lee remains in the spine unit at James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough after fracturing a vertebra in his neck when he descended from Mt Ben MacDui during a stall opening in Gosforth Park.
The Irish jockey said in a statement released by the Injured People’s Fund: “It has been three months since the accident and I felt it was appropriate to speak publicly for the first time.
“Honestly, I have been overwhelmed by the incredible support and goodwill we have received from everyone, and on behalf of myself, my wife Becky, and our children Amy and Robbie, I would like to thank you all deeply. think.
“I feel like we’re in a bit of a bubble here at James Cook Spine Unit, but the girls have been passing on all the messages they’ve been receiving to me and I appreciate each and every one of them. .And so is the continued support of my wonderful friends who visit me regularly and keep me energized. ”
Lee, who turned 48 in December, won the Grand National at Aintree riding Amberley House in 2004 before switching to the flat in 2012.
Three years later, he won the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot with the Ed Dunlop-trained Trip to Paris, and in the 2018 Nunthorpe Stakes at York, he won his second G1 title riding Alpha Delphini.
“I never thought I would have achieved so much as a jockey and I think it’s crazy that so many people are thinking of all of us,” he added. “There is no denying that it has been and continues to be difficult for all of us, but these messages will help us all immensely.
“I would also like to thank our incredible team of nurses who provide 24-hour care and support to all of us.
“As most people know, the injuries I sustained are life-changing and I have a long road ahead of me. I can now start working on adapting my home with the hope that I will be able to leave the hospital at some stage.
“Thank you very much. I am truly humbled and grateful.”
A JustGiving donation page set up by Mr Lee’s daughter Amy has so far raised more than £189,000.
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