The Chief Executives of the BEF and its Member Bodies have pledged their support to the charity Spinal Research in 2003.

In a presentation to the January meeting of the BEF Chief Executives Jonathan Miall, Chief Executive of Spinal Research, said: "This is a very exciting and crucial time for Spinal Research. We are leading the world in our research and our initiative to set up clinical trials for spinal injuries, but face our most challenging period of fundraising ever to continue this essential work. The support of the BEF and its Members will help us to raise awareness in the equestrian community of our work and of our fundraising initiatives such as the "Saddle Up" campaign. Equestrian events and individual supporters have raised £120,000 so far, and we hope to increase this in 2003 with the help of the Federation."

Andrew Finding, Chief Executive of BEF, said: "We are delighted to be supporting Spinal Research, at a time when research into spinal injuries is achieving such impressive results. This work is inspirational and deserves the attention and support of anyone involved in equestrian sport. We very much hope our efforts will help Spinal Research to meet the challenge in the year ahead."

News and events concerning Spinal Research will soon appear on a dedicated page of the BEF web site, www.bef.co.uk , and the BEF
Member Bodies will be liaising with Spinal Research to come up with fundraising and promotional ideas for the year ahead. Endurance GB have started the ball rolling by adopting Spinal Research as the special Charity for the Alfred's Tower Ride (9 August).

www.bef.co.uk

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