A WOMAN left paralysed from the chest down after a riding accident has launched a campaign to raise £100,000 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Spinal Research.

Former advertising executive Tara Stewart was thrown from her horse while riding near the family home at Stearsby, near Helmsley, in July 2014. She landed on her head, the impact breaking her neck.

“I heard my neck snap and was instantly paralysed from the chest down,” said Tara, who endured a five-hour wait on the ground before a passing horse rider spotted her riderless mount and called the emergency services.

“I was a couple of fields away from home,” added Tara. “There was no road nearby and so my horse actually saved my life by staying with me.

“Stranded as I was in the middle of nowhere, it was impossible to get an ambulance to me and I knew, from the moment I hit the ground, that the only way to get me out would be by helicopter.”

While in hospital Tara and her internationally-renowned artist father David Howell, came up with an idea to raise money.

David Howell, a past president of the Royal Society of Marine Artists, has exhibited throughout the world. His work focuses on landscape and marine subjects, but he is also well-known for his equestrian racing pictures, and so they decided to create a one-off, original racehorse oil with limited edition prints.

Tara added: “My entire focus is on raising money. Obviously, I am passionate about supporting the amazing work of Yorkshire Air Ambulance. They are my local air ambulance and no one ever knows when they might need their services.

“As a tetraplegic, paralysed from the chest down, I also believe very passionately in the work of Spinal Research to fund a cure into spinal cord injury. I have a first-hand understanding of the absolute devastation to a life an injury like this can cause."

The painting is called ‘A Dirty Day at Duncombe Park’ and each print is one of a limited edition of 750, signed by David. Framed prints are £275 and unframed £150 with the proceeds split between the YAA and Spinal Research.

  • Greeting cards are also available in packs of ten for £12.75.
  • For more information visit buckinghorses.co.uk