A North Yorkshire assistant racehorse trainer is in intensive care at James Cook hospital after an horrific riding accident.

Adrian Grain, who is assistant to Mark Weatherer at Norton Grange Stables in Malton, was flown by air ambulance to James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough after a horse fell on his head and crushed his throat.

Adrian suffered four broken vertebrae in his neck and a twisted spinal column.

The terrible accident happened on October 17 when Adrian was riding racehorse Leannes Lady and was thrown from the saddle.

The horse then landed on top of him, causing the awful injuries despite him wearing a back protector and a riding helmet at the time.

After several days in hospital Adrian was taken off a ventilator on Thursday and although his prognosis is still unclear, his injuries are life-changing and a fundraising drive to support him has been set up.

The Go Fund Me camapign, which has raised more than £8,000 already, was set up by Karen Woods who states in the description: "These are life-changing injuries for Ady and we want to do our very best to help him.

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"He lives in a bungalow and adaptations are going to have to be made to make it wheelchair friendly, from widening doors to installing an appropriate bathroom - and everything possible in between.

"Of course, there are many other things, pieces of equipment etc. that he will need and we are hoping with all our hearts that you will help us in providing this for him.

"Ady is the most fabulous, kind and gentle man with a deep love of and knowledge of horses.

"His only concern at the time of his injury was that Leanne was cared for and not held to blame for the accident.

"One very important thing that we have been asked to say is that if we manage to raise more money than Ady needs, this surplus will be donated to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance that was so instrumental in saving Ady’s life.

"We understand times are very difficult for everyone but hope that you will be able to contribute to this very worthy cause."

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