David’s story – Occupational Health and CATS

David is Head Person at a stud in Berkshire and has been working with Thoroughbreds since leaving school at the age of 16.

David first approached Racing Welfare for support with his return to work following a serious accident which had left him with a broken back and pelvis.

He said: “I had a really bad accident – a horse reared over on top of me and I was out of work for a year with a broken back and pelvis. I was in a bad way. At the time I wasn’t sure whether I’d be able to walk, or at least walk normally, again.”

Racing Welfare arranged for David to attend Oaksey House and funded a series of intense physiotherapy sessions, which eventually helped him get back on his feet.

He said: “It was amazing. [The physiotherapy] got me walking probably three months sooner than I’d have managed it by myself.”

Following his treatment, David wanted to explore alternative career options that meant he did not need to rely on being able to work on his feet with horses. Racing Welfare supported him to study for and achieve his HGV Level Two qualification which opened up a new career pathway should he need it.

Since initiating that first contact with the charity several years ago, David has received further support through Racing’s Occupational Health Scheme when struggling with an ongoing frozen shoulder.

He summarises: “Whenever I’ve got a problem I always approach Racing Welfare first, because they are always really helpful. I regularly encourage other people to get in contact with them if they need help.

“There’s no doubt about it, Racing Welfare have helped me immensely.”

Racing’s Occupational Health Scheme is part of Racing Welfare’s award-winning Workforce Wellbeing Programme. Find out more here:

Workforce Wellbeing Programme

The Careers Advice & Training Service (CATS) has now been suspended. Via our welfare officers and our support line, beneficiaries can still access careers advice, support, signposting to job boards and industry bodies as well as training grants.