Skeating on thin ice
By TMX Archives on 18th Jan 07
THE 20th annual Stockbridge Run, the run/ bike ride/ walk in aid of George Skeates' Benevolent fund, was a great success once again last weekend, reports Tracy Thacker.
George, an International Sidecar Motocross Passenger, was paralysed following a horrific accident whilst competing in October 1985. He then spent many months in the Spinal Injuries Unit at Odstock Hospital, near Salisbury.
Mike Crossman, a fan and friend whose daughter, Susan, nursed George whilst in Hospital, concsived the idea of a Cross-Country Fun Run to raise money for the injured rider and his young family. Held in the motocross off-season, it was billed as an opportunity for fellow motocross riders to use it as an opportunity to keep fit.
George donated the funds raised to The Inspire Foundation, a charity based at Odstock where he had himself received treatment and it became an annual event thereafter.