It was just after 5 pm, back in 2005, when Georgie Falloon called me and said, ‘What about CatWalk?’ It was the perfect name. Not simply walking again, but strutting down the runway like we own the world.

So, CatWalk it was. My name may be in the title, but it’s not my charity. CatWalk is for every wheelie. And it’s not just about walking; it’s about every advance. Whether it be an improvement of 1% or 10%. Every gain is a breakthrough and another step on the path to a complete cure.

Looking back on 20 years of CatWalk, I’m so incredibly grateful to those fabulous friends who rallied after my accident. And to all of those who have supported me since then.

Being part of the equestrian world is significant. It’s a world of glass-half-full people. People who live life to the full and grab every opportunity with both hands. As an industry, they’ve been such strong supporters of CatWalk. Our fundraising has been built on the generosity of the thoroughbred racing industry, and we’ve had a lot of fun doing it.

I was at the peak of my equestrian career when I had my accident. People ask if there was something special about being an elite athlete – if that was why I responded to my injury the way I did. But you know what, I really have to credit my Mum for that.

Growing up riding horses, there were many days when I was in tears. My horse bolted, or I got eliminated, or I fell off. You know, I felt that I’d embarrassed myself. And Mum, she’d pick me up, throw me back on the horse, and we’d go again. She taught me to take the good with the bad’ and to push on through, regardless.

She also reminded me every day that I was good. That I was good enough. That I was great. We absorb the words of others, good and bad. I was lucky enough to grow up believing I could, and would, succeed. I took that with me into CatWalk, and it gives us all the strength and courage to drive for the cure we so desperately need.

Wheelies like me lose seven hours a week just getting out of bed. High tetras may lose up to 21 hours. It’s a lot! And it’s tiring. It leaves you with less time to do everything else, so we’re behind the eight ball before we even get started. But it’s the attitude we, and those around us, take into the day that makes the biggest difference.

As a wheelie, the person who helps you get out of bed in the morning has to be a kind, gentle, beautiful person. I can’t emphasise enough the importance of my family and my carers. I was told that 85% of relationships fall apart after an injury like mine. Sam and I took that as a challenge. We weren’t going to be part of that 85%. So far, he’s done ok and is still my number one.

Where to now? The ultimate aim is to put CatWalk out of a job. I’m ready to strut, or dance, my way down that runway! In the short term, though, I’d love to see less time and effort going into fundraising and more into guiding and driving research.

It’d take just a few big philanthropists, providing consistent funding. Then we could focus our efforts on our research team and our global partners and really drive results.

Time moves on, and I do think about my legacy. For those who have been part of our journey, I ask that they, too, look to their legacy. Maybe consider leaving something to CatWalk for those who follow. Until then, we will keep having fun. We won’t let a wheelchair get in the way of a good time!

To my fellow wheelies, we will make it happen. But don’t stop. You can’t be still and wait for a cure. Keep yourself fit and healthy, work with us, and live your best life. When the cure comes, we’ll hit that red carpet together.

Dame Catriona Williams DNZM
CatWalk Founder

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