Get Gemma Home

Equestrian Community Rally To Get Gemma Home

Twenty six year old North East equestrian, Gemma Potts, was a keen and enthusiastic rider and groom. She suffered a life changing injury two and a half years ago when knocked over at an equestrian event.

She is currently living at a nursing home at Bishop Auckland due to the incident leaving her tetraplegic, despite months of treatment at James Cook University Hospital’s Spinal Injury Unit. The current aim is to implement specialist equipment into the family home in order to be able to care for Gemma.

Touched by her heartbreaking story, Abigail Turnbull of Richmond Equestrian Centre was keen to help Victoria Baker with fundraising for this worthy cause. Equestrian performance coach, Victoria, and Abigail have set up an online auction of promises.

Businesses across the country have donated generously and Gemma’s support network are hopeful that the exciting list of prizes available at auction will be a catalyst in the ambitious journey to create a functional living environment for Gemma to return home to.

Gemma is overwhelmed by the efforts and generosity displayed by the public, and has expressed her gratitude for the love and kindness shown to her. As a mother, Abigail was moved by Gemma’s story and instantly wanted to contribute to the fundraising project. “I can’t comprehend what this family has endured from going through their beautiful daughter’s life changing injuries to the struggle of trying to get her back home so that they can be together. Everyone deserves to be in the comfort of their own home and we really want to help the family to get Gemma back home.”

Fund Raising Event

On 29th February 2024 at 5pm, former Tyne Tees presenter and father of three, Paul Frost, will compere a fun and informal fundraising evening at Richmond Equestrian Centre.

Anyone in support of this cause is welcome to attend the evening for just £10 per ticket, which includes complimentary food and a welcome drink.

The prizes range from holiday stays to equestrian equipment. Bidding will commence from 7pm. All ticket sale proceeds will be donated directly to the cause which will fund ongoing therapy and equipment such as: a travel hoist, bath cradle and an electrical muscle stimulation device.

Contributions and Tickets

All financial donations and special raffle prizes are welcome.

Tickets are just £10 and every ticket is guaranteed to win a prize!

To contribute to this worthy cause or to purchase a ticket, please contact:

• Victoria via  vbfundraisinggemmapotts@gmail.com
• Abigail via abigail@richmondequestriancentre.co.uk  or  07779 282665
• Clare L Constantine via mrsconstantine1608@outlook.com

Alternatively, tickets can be purchased via www.MyRidingLife.com.

A Facebook page has also been launched to help raise awareness: ‘Gemma Needs Our Help’.

All details for Gemma’s Just Giving Page will be published on the social media site in the coming days.