Former Bedford College student, drama teacher and professional actor Jason Riddington-Smith, now living with the effects of a life-changing brain aneurism, is launching an appeal to help his wife fly the flag for the UK.
Faye and her horse Heron have been selected to jump in the European Veterans’ Showjumping Championships but need £4,000 to cover the costs of getting to the event in Germany.
In story which sounds like a movie script: Jason and Faye’s romantic story goes back to when they met in 2013 when he was still working in movies such as Motherland, partly set in Bedford. Before that he had been on TV and starred in the 1992 film Wuthering Heights with Juliette Binoche.
He suffered a near fatal brain aneurism in June 2021, fast-acting Faye administered CPR saving his life until the emergency services rushed him to John Radcliffe’s Intensive Care Unit where he remained for four weeks after suffering further life-threatening complications: meningitis, a seizure and hydrocephalus resulting in four lots of brain surgery.
His “incredible life-saver wife” along with his life-long T’ai Chi Qigong training have helped him to recover fully from paralysis, retinal haemorrhage and deafness to the amazement of the medical team and to reach his “second chance” – showing others how to live their best lives through his new system Yoga-Qi – a mixture of Yoga, T’ai Chi Qigong and Pilates classes. Website mindfulbodyfit.co.uk
“Living with a brain injury is still very tricky in spite of my physical recovery. I can’t deal with background noise, or UV lighting, so I’m having to live differently, no more acting or teaching in classrooms, but I’m learning to live with the new me and developing my Personal Training business is a tremendous start.”
Whilst he was in Intensive Care, Faye was picked to ride for the UK in last year’s previous veterans’ event but sacrificed her place to care for her husband.
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She now has a second chance too.
“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,” said Jason who lives in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire,
“I’ve put together a GoFundMe appeal to raise the £4,000. Sadly British Showjumping gives only £500 towards the cost.”
“Any small amount would be gratefully received to give this story a happy ending.”
