A glorious Spring day greeted the launch of the SIA Academy by our Patron, HRH The Princess Royal.  Her Royal Highness came to SIA House to meet and thank members of the racing industry who had contributed to the Tristram Ricketts Appeal, making it such a success.

During her visit, the Princess met Lady Annie Ricketts, widow of Sir Tristram, and paid tribute to his work.  In her speech, the Princess also welcomed the official launch of the Academy and, in particular, highlighted the importance its research was playing in drawing attention to the need for specialist care for newly spinal cord injured people.

Mr Paul Roy, Chairman of the Appeal, replied on behalf of the Academy and thanked all those in the racing industry who had given so generously, so much so that the Appeal had exceeded by some £20,000 its original target of £150,000.

Her Royal Highness took time to meet not only the guests, but also SIA’s President, Baroness Masham of Ilton, our Chair, John Borthwick, and a number of SIA Trustees and staff.  She also spent some time talking with some of those who have been trained to deliver Your Voice courses and Master Classes, a key activity of the Academy.

SIA was delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness back to SIA House some five years after she first opened the building.  Before the Princess left, she invited Lady Annie Ricketts to unveil the plaque in memory of her late husband, marking the official launch of the SIA Academy.