Andrew and Nereo at Gatcombe Park
Update 20th October 2015
Andrew Nicholson talks about the fall he experienced at Gatcombe to Newstalk ZB radio host Mike Hosking
"At no stage did I think I would be paralysed" says Andrew and thankfully, he wasn't although his surgeon told him he 'had a better chance of winning the Lottery than getting on this bed'
Andrew hopes to be back in competition in the new season but admits that he won't know how his confidence will be until then. He acknowledges that his Rio hopes are almost over, despite having qualified horses, but 'anything can be put right'. Let's hope .............
Andrew Nicholson
Update 5th October 2015
It’s good news for Andrew Nicholson who is now up and about after breaking his neck in a fall from his horse Cillnabradden Evo at Gatcombe
In an article by the New Zealand Herald, Sports Writer Andrew Alderson was told by Andrew’s wife Wiggy that the tenacious rider is “now fully mobile, albeit with relatively minor nerve damage”
"First he has to recover on a normal human being level and then return to being an international event rider, but he's following a good line of progression and becoming increasingly difficult to manage ... which is a good sign. I'm just so happy he's fine."
The thought that Andrew, one of eventing's most talented riders, would ever be a ‘normal human being’ is maybe not to be taken seriously – after all he did walk away from a fall that would have left a ‘normal’ human as a tetraplegic – but it is fabulous news to hear that he is already causing trouble so early in his convalescence!
Andrew returns to hospital in four weeks time for X-rays on the implant that replaced his shattered vertebrae but is hopeful of returning to competition after the winter break
Britain's Injured Jockeys Fund, founded in 1964 and which has spent over 18 million helping more than 1000 former jockeys, has been helping the Nicholsons during this difficult period of recovery and rehabilitation. In March Andrew rode in a charity race for the Injured Jockeys Fund at Cheltenham, little knowing that in the very near future he would personally need their help and specialist expertise in high-speed impact neck traumas
Click here to read the full NZ Herald article
Update 20th August 2015
"I am very pleased to be back at home and wanted to take the opportunity to thank everyone myself for their kind messages and support which have meant a lot to me and my family.
In terms of my injury I realise I have been incredibly lucky.
My surgeon, Mr Jeremy Reynolds, told me that the injury I sustained to my neck would have caused paralysis at the time of injury, in 98% of cases. I was extremely fortunate this did not happen.
I underwent an eight hour operation where they repaired the fractures and stabilised my cervical spine. This procedure in itself was not without risk, and I cannot thank enough, the team of spinal surgeons at the John Radcliffe hospital, for what they have done.
Obviously I won't be riding again this season as it will take some time to fully recover. Whilst I have to take things easy, I am up and about and fully mobile, and look forward to getting back to full fitness in due course.
Thank you in advance for allowing my family and I some privacy and time to rest and recover.”
Andrew Nicholson
Update 14th August 2015
“Andrew is indebted to Mr Jeremy Reynolds, Consultant Spinal Surgeon, and the rest of his surgical team at the John Radcliffe hospital, for their incredible skill in his treatment. He would also like to thank the nurses in the trauma unit for the fantastic care he has received.
He is continuing to make good progress after surgery and is able to walk unaided.
He is looking forward to returning home to continue his recovery and would like to thank everyone for their messages of support and goodwill, which have been much appreciated.”
Update: 13th August 2015
“Andrew Nicholson underwent surgery yesterday to repair the injury to his neck. The surgery went well and his condition is stable. Andrew is comfortable and has full range of movement.
His family would like to thank the many well-wishers.”
On behalf of the Nicholson family.
12th August 2015
As covered in our report from the Festival of British Eventing, Andrew Nicholson was injured in a fall on cross country on Sunday and was sent to hospital as a precautionary measure
A press release issued on behalf of the family now advises that Andrew has been diagnosed with a neck injury and is currently undergoing treatment at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxfordshire's main accident and emergency site.
Andrew had already withdrawn his two top horses Avebury and Nereo , who are entered for Burghley in a few weeks time, from the cross country of the British Open Championship on Sunday, but fell at the very last fence on course from Cillnabradden Evo. They were the only combination to have a problem at this fence and Cillnabradden Evo incurred no injuries in the fall
We wish Andrew all the best for a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him defend his title at Burghley
