Jockey Graham Lee seen for first time since life-threatening fall as he bravely smiles from wheelchair

JOCKEY Graham Lee has been pictured for the first time since his life-threatening fall at Newcastle.

The 2004 Grand National-winning rider smiled bravely from a wheelchair with legendary trainer Henrietta Knight by his side.

Twitter

Lee raised a smile alongside trainer Knight as racing united in support of the jockey after his life-threatening fall[/caption]

A post alongside the photo read: “Graham’s had so many familiar faces allowed to see him over the last few weeks… including Henrietta Knight today!

“These visits have made so much difference to dad’s motivation and help make the days brighter.”

Racing fans praised his ‘warrior’ spirit after seeing the photo.

And Sun Racing’s Matt Chapman said: “Can only admire Graham’s strength in the on-going battle.”

More than £180,000 has been raised on Lee’s Just Giving page, with donations pouring in from the world of racing.

The 48-year-old Irishman, who’s also won the Ascot Gold Cup in a storied career, fell from Ben Macdui at the start of an all-weather handicap race last November.

He was rushed to intensive care in hospital with damage to his spinal cord.

An update in the middle of November confirmed he was able to speak with family again after undergoing surgery.

And a week later he was moved to the spinal unit at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

While it is not clear where the latest photo was taken, it was said at the time Lee would remain there ‘for the foreseeable future’.

The jockey’s daughter Amy has, along with the Injured Jockeys Fund, been providing updates on Lee’s condition.

And this new photo is the most positive sign yet that, hopefully, he can one day enjoy a return to a normal life.

Racing followers have been praying for good news – while Lee’s former rivals on the racecourse were greatly affected by his accident.

AP McCoy – who Sun Racing told you helped take Amy to her dad’s bedside in a 3am dash – broke down in tears on ITV when talking about Lee during Cheltenham’s November meeting.

He spoke of having gone through ‘the most horrendous week’.

But he, like everyone else, will crossing their fingers for more positive developments over the coming weeks.