Michelle La Vars

Injury:
Severe head injuries, broken collar bone, ribs and tragically a broken back with spinal damage leaving Michelle a paraplegic.
Treatment:
2 weeks in ICU, 8 weeks in Royal Adelaide Hospital before being able to move to the Hampstead rehabilitation hospital. After 11 months and 3 weeks, Michelle was able to go home.

When Michelle had her fall in 1992 the trust didn’t exist and it was hard for her not to feel a little abandoned by the industry. There just wasn’t anywhere for me to fit in but now with the trust I don’t feel that way. I know they have my back and I’m remembered for what I gave to the racing industry.

“There just wasn't anywhere for me to fit in but now with the trust I don't feel that way. I know they have my back and I'm remembered for what I gave to the racing industry.

I'm extremely grateful to the Trust as they purchased for me a new wheel chair and attachment that takes a lot of stress from my arms and shoulders that I have had on-going problems with."
Michelle is now an ambassador to the trust and continues to help support it, to help fellow jockeys and their families as she knows first-hand how devastating a bad race fall can change your life and of the high on going costs.

Testimonials

Michael Attard

I’m writing this letter to let you know how much it means to me, my wife Sharon and my family for the support you’ve provided; it means more than words can describe. On August 1, 2021, I was kicked by one of my horses and was taken to the hospital...

I’m writing this letter to let you know how much it means to me, my wife Sharon and my family for the support you’ve provided; it means more than words...

Testimonials

Bill Goodwin

"The difference it has made to my everyday life is invaluable and I appreciate the time and effort that was put into making it happen.”
"The difference it has made to my everyday life is invaluable and I appreciate the time and effort that was put into making it happen.”

Testimonials

Kate Brooks

“The support didn’t stop there. As I had a career-ending injury, the NJT gave me a sum of money to keep me on my feet and get the medical aids I needed.”
“The support didn’t stop there. As I had a career-ending injury, the NJT gave me a sum of money to keep me on my feet and get the medical aids...

Testimonials

Lachlan Fyfe

When Lachlan was injured he received financial support from the National Jockeys Trust. Lachlan Fyfe was a promising young apprentice to Graeme Rogerson at Randwick. He was riding winners in Sydney before the tragic event that all jockeys try not to think about happened. Lachlan was riding in barrier trials...

When Lachlan was injured he received financial support from the National Jockeys Trust. Lachlan Fyfe was a promising young apprentice to Graeme Rogerson at Randwick. He was riding winners in...

Testimonials

Don Terry

“The NJT came along and paid for a brand new lightweight chair that only weighed 5kg. I cannot fault the Trust and what they have done for me.”
“The NJT came along and paid for a brand new lightweight chair that only weighed 5kg. I cannot fault the Trust and what they have done for me.”

Make A Donation

The National Jockeys Trust acknowledges John and Denise Cobcroft’s generous bequest.

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Make A Donation

The National Jockeys Trust acknowledges John and Denise Cobcroft’s generous bequest.