THE founder and chief executive officer of one of the UK’s fastest-growing baby and toiletries companies has presented a £7,000 cheque to an award-winning disabled rider.

Darren Ashton, 24, was named the Riding for the Disabled’s National Rider of the Year Award winner in September.

Riding a Welsh Bay called Caellyn Haf with one side walker, Darren was placed second out of 32 competitors in the RDA’s Countryside Challenge.

Joanna Jensen, of Hampshire-based Childs Farm, visited the Saxon RDA riding group at Widbrook, Bradford on Avon, on Monday to present the large cheque.

It will help Darren to pay off most of the money he owes after purchasing an all-terrain wheelchair to help him get around.

Darren, of Albany Close, Trowbridge, met Joanna at the RDA Gala Dinner Awards ceremony in London in September.

Darren’s father, Stephen Ashton, said: “After winning the award, Darren was being interviewed by the gala dinner host Clare Balding.

“He happened to mention to Clare that he was £7,000 in debt after buying the all-terrain wheelchair to fulfil his dream to be independent. Joanna was so moved by Darren’s story that she pledged the money to Darren there and then, saying ‘we’ll cover that’.”

Handing over the cheque, Joanna said: “I come from a horsey family and my company has supported the RDA for the past five years. We give 10 per cent of our profits to the charity.

“When I heard that Darren needed to pay for the wheelchair I offered to help. We have had a good year. It is all about giving back and we help the RDA in whatever way is needed.”

Darren said: “I am delighted to receive this cheque.

“I was only joking about being in debt when I was being interviewed by Clare Balding and never expected Joanna to step in and cover it.”

Wiltshire Farm Foods in Trowbridge also contributed £2,500 towards the £11,500 wheelchair, which enables Darren to go out and about over any surface, rough or smooth.

He was diagnosed seven years ago with a degenerative condition called Freidrich’s Ataxia which stopped him playing football and basketball. He took up riding after realising he could still be competitive.

More than 450 disabled riders took part over the three days of competition with the Saxon RDA Group finishing with four top five finishes, plus a trophy for one of its horses.

The RDA National Championships is RDA’s flagship event, bringing together hundreds of competitors of all abilities in events including carriage driving, countryside challenge, dressage, showjumping, vaulting and showing.

In previous years it has proved a springboard for the Paralympics, with many of the current Team GB having competed at the championships.