27 December 2023 , 17:25
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Severely injured Grand National-winning jockey Graham Lee received support from Championship team Preston North End on Boxing Day.
Members of the playing squad wore t-shirts bearing a photo of Lee with the words, “We are all with you, Graham” before the kick-off of their fixture against Leeds United
Lee, 48, is a cousin of North End defender Greg Cunningham who was an unused sub in the match which Preston won 2-1.
Lee suffered an unstable cervical fracture which caused damage to his spinal cord when he was unseated from a horse at the start of a race at Newcastle on November 10.
Four days later he underwent surgery at the Royal Victoria Infirmary Hospital in Newcastle to stabilise the fractures and further protect his spinal cord while a tracheostomy was performed to make him more comfortable and improve communication.
Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him
He has since been moved to the spinal unit at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough which is nearer to Lee’s home.
Graham Lee (centre, back) with Greg Cunningham (left) (@PNEFC)The most recent statement from the Injured Jockeys Fund said: “Graham Lee has now moved to the spinal unit at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough where he will remain for the foreseeable future. He is no longer in ITU but remains on a ventilator, albeit this can be reduced from time to time.
“His cervical injury, which was to C3/C4 [vertebrae], means that his movement is affected. His family are pleased that he is now nearer home and remain grateful for the constant support.”
Lee rode more than 1,000 jumps winners, landing the 2004 Grand National on Amberleigh House, before moving to ride on the Flat in 2012.
In that sphere he partnered Trip To Paris to win the 2015 Gold Cup at Royal Ascot and Alpha Delphini to land the 2018 Nunthorpe Stakes at York.
A Just Giving page established by Lee’s daughter Amy in support of the Injured Jockeys Fund has so far raised £180,000.