Donation plea for Russell

Thomas Russell rode 276 winners in his career. Photo/Race Images

A major fundraising effort is under way to help paralysed Wanganui jockey Thomas Russell.

Mr Russell, 31 - injured doing track work in Bulls on June 19 - is in Christchurch Hospital.

Fundraising will include the New Zealand Racing Board during August donating 10 per cent of turnover on the jockey's challenge betting option to Mr Russell's fund.

The Waverley Racing Club, at its race meeting tomorrow, will donate $1800 and challenge all jockeys, trainers and owners to match its donation.

An account has been set up for other donations from around the country as well.

Fellow jockey Darryl Bradley got the ball rolling 10 days ago with the "Let's Help Our Mate" campaign on Facebook. Mr Bradley has kept in contact with Mr Russell's partner Pip D'Arcy-Brain for news on his condition. "His breathing seems to be holding him back; he is still on the ventilator. He can talk quietly to people and he's healthy in his mind. Once he's off the ventilator he can go to Burwood Hospital and his rehabilitation can begin."

Mr Bradley said many activities were planned to raise money and collection buckets would be taken round at race meetings. "We'd appreciate any other input from people. I've not done anything like this before and it's a big learning curve."

He has known Mr Russell most of his life.

"He started off in Hawke's Bay then moved to Woodville and was apprenticed to Bruce Marsh, then went into partnership with trainer Ken Kelso at Matamata. When he went back riding he went to Wanganui."

Mr Russell has ridden 276 winners including a victory in the Merial Metric Mile aboard Citi Habit.

During August the Ezygo Jockey's Challenge will be known as the Thomas Russell Ezygo Jockey's Challenge.

Anyone wishing to contribute can pay into account number 01-0517-0063944-09 with the reference T Russell.