last updated on April 30, 2010 13:52

International dressage riders Andrew Gould and Daniel Timson (pictured) swapped horsepower for shank’s pony last Sunday as they took part in the 2010 Virgin London Marathon in aid of Spinal Research. Both crossed the finish line around the 5 hours 20 minute mark, raising thousands of pounds for charity in the process.

Andrew nearly didn’t make it to the start line when his return flight from Egypt was cancelled because of the volcanic ash cloud. Once on the course a flare up from an old knee injury during the 18th mile nearly put paid to his ambitions of finishing the gruelling 26 mile course. Gould explained: "Having already ran most of the way I was not about to give up so close to the end, so I gritted my teeth, tried to put the pain out of my mind and just kept on going."

Wife Polly, who was in London to offer her support from the sidelines, added: "When I saw Andrew half running and limping to the finish line I was so proud of him, and best of all he still had a massive smile on his face and he was so pleased to have made it. He suffered a little the morning after and was hobbling round with a big bag of frozen peas on his damaged knee, but he still has the smile on his face."

Daniel Timson’s preparation went more smoothly but he too suffered for the cause during the race itself. “Running the Virgin London Marathon was definitely the hardest thing I've ever done but I also had a great day enjoying the electric atmosphere from all of the thousands of fans cheering along the route. It really was a privilege for me to run and raise money for Spinal Research and I have no doubt that once these aches and pains have worn off I'll be signing up for next years race.”

The Guildford based charity is the UK’s leading charity, funding medical research around the world to develop reliable treatments for paralysis caused by a broken back or neck. Over 800 people a year are paralysed in the UK; many of these are from riding accidents. Isabel Robinson from Spinal Research said: “Our sincere thanks go to Daniel and Andrew for supporting Spinal Research. The money that he has raised will help us to fund our vital research into spinal cord repair, so we can get people who are paralysed out of their wheelchairs and walking again.”

To find out more about Daniel or Andrew and their dressage careers visit their websites:
www.danieltimson.co.uk
www.andrewgould.com

It’s not too late to donate to Spinal Research here:
www.justgiving.com/DanielTimson
www.justgiving.com/andrewpgould