WHEN former amateur jockey Richard Hawkins was left unable to walk or talk after a fall at Taunton Racecourse, he knew he faced an uphill road to recovery. The 23-year-old from Watchet suffered a serious head injury in the accident in April 2011, spending the first few weeks immediately afterwards in a coma. But although the encouragement of friends and family have been vital in helping Richard claim back his life, the support of a charity whose focus is dedicated to giving casualties of the sport a brighter future has been invaluable. The Injured Jockeys Fund has literally helped Richard every step of the way, and now his fiancée Lucy Bosley is preparing to give something back to the charity. Lucy, along with a group of family and friends, will walk the 36-mile Coleridge Way in the hope of raising at least £1,000 for the fund. The sponsored trek will take place over two days from June 7, starting in Nether Stowey and finishing in Porlock. Richard, who still has to wear splints on his legs, is hoping to join the walkers for a couple of miles. "Richard spent three months in Musgrove Park Hospital after the accident," said 28-year-old Lucy. "He had to learn to walk and talk again but three years on, after the support from the IJF, he has made a fantastic recovery." The charity not only provided financial help but offered vital additional physiotherapy and speech therapy as well as sending Richard to its state-of-the-art rehabilitation centre, Oaksey House in Berkshire. And as if that wasn't enough, it has now helped secure an apprenticeship as a trainee accountant in Taunton. Lucy, who works for Somerset Care and will marry Richard in September, said she wanted to drum up as much awareness of the IJF as possible as it was such an amazing charity. "The money we raise will help so many others who need the same support through challenging times," she said. "In West Somerset alone we have a number of racing yards and equestrian facilities so I really want to put the word out and get this charity the recognition it deserves." The fundraising bid attracted sponsorship of £300 on the first day it was launched so Lucy is confident that her efforts will be well supported. But she hopes people across the district will put their hands in their pockets for the organisation which helped her fiance get his life back on track. "It's been a long recovery and Richard still gets tired easily," she said. "But his quality of life could have been so different." People can donate online at http://www.justgiving.com/lucyandteam-ijf">www.justgiving.com/lucyandteam-ijf. Sponsorship forms should be available in some local shops and Lucy is also happy to be contacted on 07846648699. Photo: Paul Scullion