For Faye Riddington-Smith, it turns out lightning does strike twice with a second selection in as many years for the European Veterans’ Showjumping Championships taking place in Germany beginning on 8th September.
Faye was selected for the event last year, but life was turned upside down as her husband, the former actor and Bedford Modern School drama lecturer, Jason Riddington-Smith suffered a brain aneurysm in June 2021.
However, with British Showjumping only able to contribute £500 to the cost, the pair are now on a fundraising effort to raise the required £4,000 to compete, after what has been a challenging twelve months.
“She’s going, come hell or high water”
Jason is determined for his wife to make the event this year after she was forced to withdraw in 2021 to care for him.
“Since my brain injury I’ve spent the last year in recovery and Faye has been supporting us both financially as well as being my constant companion and carer, without a word of complaint.
“When she got the call-up this year, I thought, ‘Come hell or high water’, she’s going this time”. It’s something to get picked once, but twice is brilliant.
Jason spent time as a high-profile drama lecturer at both Bedford Modern School and Bedford College after stints in many popular TV shows ranging from Inspector Morse to EastEnders and from Casualty to Luther, starring alongside Idris Elba.
His career began in 1992, starring in the film ‘Wuthering Heights’ with Jason and Faye’s story beginning in 2013 when they met on the set of ‘Motherland’, which was being filmed in Bedford.
Since then, Faye has forged a career in show jumping aboard her own horse, Heron and the pair are now focused on getting Faye to the event she was supposed to appear at last Summer.
Now, Jason is keen to repay her faith and companionship by using his profile to help raise the necessary funds for Faye to finally compete at the European Championships.
“I’ve put together a GoFundMe appeal to raise the £4,000. Any small amount would be gratefully received to give this story a happy ending.”
With £2,710 already raised, the dream of getting Faye to the European Championships after a difficult twelve months is on the horizon.
You can contribute to Jason’s GoFundMe appeal page here.
