Evie Toombes
EVIE TOOMBES
Equestrian
Evie Toombes was born with Spina Bifida, a fatty tumour on the base of her spinal cord affecting the nerves to her legs, bladder and bowel. Growing up, she was lucky enough to be around horses from a young age and became keen to join in with the fun. Aged 4, Evie started officially riding and since discovering the freedom and joy that riding brings, especially as it’s such a contrast to her restricting health, it’s been nearly impossible to stop her from getting in the saddle.
In 2012, aged 12, Evie began visiting primary schools to raise awareness for Hidden Illnesses and share her story as a para show jumper. Alongside this, her book ‘Lucy Goes To School’ helps to introduce the concept of hidden disabilities to younger children during school visits and also educates them on how to help their friends and not judge one another. During that year, Evie was also officially classified as para athlete, and have since competed in para show jumping, winning national titles and being selected for Team GB two years running with her horse Daisy.
Evie has received a number of awards for her dedication to raising awareness of invisible illnesses, including the Inspirational Young Person at the WellChild Awards in 2018, and a British Citizen Youth Award for services to society in 2019 and in 2020, Evie became the Horse & Hound Amateur Rider of the Decade.
Evie’s hopes for the future is to continue to build on the work they’re already carrying out and achieving, whilst setting her sights for the Paralympic Games when show jumping becomes included.
Living at home gives you more identity. Being with family and friends provides a layer of something 'normal' compared to everything else you're living with."
Evie shares her story of living with spina bifida, and about her work as an ambassador of Mintridge, over on the #WeAreAble hub:https://bit.ly/3Q8zPaA