Our History

The CatWalk Spinal Cord Injury Trust was founded in 2005 by Catriona Williams, formerly one of New Zealand’s leading international equestrian riders. Following a riding accident in 2002, she is now C6/C7 tetraplegic and confined to a wheelchair.

Initially a group of friends planned to fundraise for Williams herself – but a bigger picture quickly became clear. A cure for all was Williams’ dream – and so CatWalk was born.

"Only legs that work could make my days better!" says Williams. “I want to do things not have things.”

After exploring several options, the group agreed that supporting researchers in the very realistic bid for a cure for Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) would be CatWalk’s aim. And so, The CatWalk Trust is dedicated to raising funds to support the body of scientific opinion which says a cure for Spinal Cord Injury will be found.

Vision

In New Zealand alone, we have one new Spinal Cord Injury every five days resulting in long lasting impairment. Whilst there are a number of organisations providing valuable rehabilitative support to those with SCI; The CatWalk Trust aims to challenge the current boundaries of research, enabling those suffering from a SCI to walk again.

To this end, The CatWalk Trust's priorities are to:

• Support the scientific opinion that a cure for SCI can be found.
• Promote and generate funding for research into a cure for SCI.
• Identify and assist in medical research and development into techniques designed for the regeneration of the effects of spinal cord injuries.
• Monitor the research progress of all scientists funded by the Trust.
  Provide targeted assistance to organisations working on projects that promote the purpose of the Trust.
• Foster co-operation between all disciplines engaged in central nervous system research, regeneration and direct relief.
• Disseminate information about research into SCI.
• Cooperate with international efforts in this field.

The CatWalk Trust is a legally constituted body and any funds raised are to be distributed in an equitable manner. Applications for funding will only be considered by the Trust on the basis that approval by the appropriate ethics committee has already been granted.

This process will ensure that any projects the Trust is associated with are serious scientific studies, conducted in an in-depth manner by professional researchers.
 

• The CatWalk Spinal Cord Injury Trust is registered as a Charitable Trust under the Charities Act 2005.

• Charities Commission Registration No. CC27170 - click here for further details.