Paralysed amateur jockey dies
Sharron Murgatroyd, who was paralysed in a fall at Bangor in 1991, has died. She was 54.
The former amateur jockey had a heart attack last Tuesday (25 March) and then suffered from a chest infection and pneumonia. She died on Friday (28 March) at West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds.
Sharon, who was “hooked on horses” from the age of 3 rode 7 winners on the Flat and 7 over jumps.
After her accident — in which she was paralysed from the neck down — she went on to raise significant funds for charity and published a number of books and poems.
Lisa Hancock, chief executive of the Injured Jockeys Fund, said: “She was just an amazing lady. She didn’t expect pity and she didn’t want anyone to feel sorry for her, she just got on with her lot.
“She refused to give up, right to the end“
Members of the racing community took to twitter to pay their respects.
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Clare Balding, who rode against Sharron, said: “So shocked and sad that Sharron Murgatroyd has died. We were emailing just this week. She made the weighing room a place of love and laughter.”
Broadcaster Derek Thompson wrote: “Sharron Murgatroyd you were wonderful! Beautiful, strong and full of character. So sad to hear you’ve passed away. We’ll never forget you.”
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Sophia Heath joined Horse & Hound in July 2013 having previously worked for the Daily Telegraph's Olympics website, CNN International and Omnisport. A Durham graduate with a Masters in journalism from City University, Sophia has evented, showjumped and hunted. Sophia left Horse & Hound in early 2015 to join an international boating website.