SNN December 2018

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“Gripper’s Race Day” By Hans Wouters Gripper & Andre Neill Danielle Johnson rides Two Thirty In April 2015 we introduced you to a new NZ Spinal Trust Patron Trevor Harrison. The first time I met him he said: “Call me Gripper, everyone calls me that,” and sure enough I have never heard anyone use “Gripper’s” real name. “Gripper”, a former jockey, is another awesome example of someone whose spinal cord injury was more a speed bump in their path rather than a wall to stop them. His rehabilitation has been a long and tough one since his C3-4 incomplete injury in 2002, however his dogged determination and hard work has seen him bounce back into a rich and rewarding life. For the last nine years he has organised a Charity Race Day for us at Pukekohe Park which we affectionately call “Gripper’s Race Day”. In total this event has raised just over $95,000 for our work. This is a tremendous result and testimony to the many friendships he has in his beloved racing industry. “Gripper” will do anything to raise funds for us and his latest crazy idea has been to have one of NZ’s leading jockeys Cameron Lammas have his beard shaved off in front of the main stand by one of the Counties Axemen - with his Axe! His idea to have Jockeys race 100m on Moonhoppers has been a fabulous addition to recent events and the jockeys really enjoy themselves. Many of the jockeys that Gripper has along are internationally famous and household names in the racing fraternity. One standout character on the day who creates plenty of energy and entertainment for the public and guests is the MC and Auctioneer Andre Neill. Andre adds a whole other dimension of fun to the day. This year’s Free Wheelin’ Frenzy Trophy pitting the Wheel Blacks against some Kiwi legends was won for a second time by Maia Amai of the Wheel Blacks. We are very grateful to the many individuals and sponsors that “Gripper” wrangles together to raise funds for us, including Pukekohe Park, Healthvision, SsangYong, Collett Racing Stables, Splice Construction and The Wheel Blacks. “Gripper” takes special interest in any new spinal injuries coming from the racing industry and he is often seen around the Auckland Spinal Rehab Unit supporting and encouraging people. We are extremely grateful to our hard working Patron “Gripper” Harrison and the crew he assembles around him for this wonderful annual event. 22
Cameron Lammas having his beard shaved off Free Wheelin Frenzy Field 23
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Page 3 and 4: EDITORIAL SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD
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Page 21: THE BAIL BULLETIN HAPPY END OF YEAR
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Page 27 and 28: Farewell to Dr. Lincoln James Leona
Page 29 and 30: Q & A AJ POUA New Zealand’s first
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SNN December 2018

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