A MOTHER-of-two who has twice survived cancer and also recovered from a shattered back has been picked to train for an amateur horserace.

Jo Ford is one of 12 members of the public from across the UK who have been picked for five months of intensive training in racehorse riding ahead of an event at York Racecourse on Saturday, June 17.

The Best Western Hotels and Macmillan Ride of their Lives is one of Macmillan Cancer Support’s major annual fundraisers.

It will involve the amateur jockeys racing thoroughbred racehorses before a crowd of 25,000 spectators on the day to raise money for the charity.

Mrs Ford, from Newton-le-Willows, near Bedale, was twice diagnosed with cervical cancer in her twenties.

After going on to make a full recovery, she then suffered a severe back injury several years ago.

Although Mrs Ford is new to racehorse riding, she had always been a keen horsewoman. But she was told she would never ride again.

Illness and years of competing in horse riding had caused so much wear and tear on her back, that she had shattered a disc in her spine.

“Unsurprisingly I was told my riding days were finished,” she said.

“But eventually I found a surgeon who did an MRI scan on my back and said he could operate.”

She said since the surgery, she has enjoyed a pain-free life.

“Taking on this challenge has a double meaning for me.

“I also want to leave something for my children to remember, should they ever need to turn to Macmillan in their life time I hope that they shall remember that mummy did something to help.

“It’s time to put my words into practice. If you don’t try you will never know.”

Since being picked for the Ride of their Lives, she has been undergoing rigorous, daily training with professional jockey coaches at Philip Kirby Racing at Green Oaks Farm at East Appleton and at Jack Berry House in Malton.

So far Mrs Ford has neared her £15,000 fundraising target by raised £6,670 for Macmillan Cancer Support but she is still looking for sponsorship.

The Milbury Hill pet supplies store in Richmond is providing Mrs Ford with her racing outfits and can add logos from any local companies wishing to sponsor the amateur jockey by adding advertisements on her racing outfit.

She is also staging a fundraising charity concert by the lake in Kirby Fleetham Hall, where two classical and opera singers will be performing at the marquee venue on June 3.

To keep track of her fundraising progress, or to sponsor Jo Ford, visit; justgiving.com/fundraising/Joanne-Ford9