A MALVERN solicitor has taken on a new role to help disabled people experience the joys of horse riding.

Ruth Godfrey, from Russell and Co in Malvern, has taken on the role of regional chair for Riding for the Disabled (RDA).

Her new role will see her assist in making decisions about how RDA is run across Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Staffordshire, Shropshire and Warwickshire.

RDA has helped more than 25,000 disabled children and adults to help them take part in activities like riding and carriage driving.

The organisation also provides therapy, fitness, skills development and opportunities for disabled people to help them live a full life.

Ruth first became involved with RDA after a near-fatal horse riding accident which saw her categorised as disabled.

RDA gave her opportunities to get back in the saddle and supported her return to riding.

Since then, she has competed internationally alongside Paralympic athletes.

In her role at Russell and Co, Malvern's oldest law firm, she heads up the dispute resolution team, all while looking after her two daughters, one of whom was born during the Covid lockdown.

Founded in 1969, the RDA currently has 18,000 qualified coaches and trained volunteers who work with over 25,000 disabled children and adults across 500 groups.

The Princess Royal joined the RDA as its Patron in 1971, later becoming President in 1985 and she still provides active support today celebrating 50 Years of dedication in 2021.

Russell and Co is the longest established law firm in Malvern.

Based at Holland House in Church Street, the company was established in 1892 to provide specialist legal services to the people of Malvern and the surrounding area.