The official launch of the book about Teddington's Park Lane Stables and its founder Natalie O'Rourke which tells her amazing story and the £1million campaign to save the stables is to take place later this month, it was announced today.

Natalie herself will attend and be available to sign copies of the book called ONLY HEROES AND HORSES during a special drinks reception at the Park Hotel in Teddington on Thursday, May 26th

Her remarkable story and the challenge to raise enough money to purchase the Riding for the Disabled Stables, which have been part of the community in one form or other since the 1830's, made headlines all over the world including the national news.

The success of the campaign eventually allowed Natalie and the Trustees of the stables to purchase the entire premises from the landlord and now urgent work is being undertaken to upgrade the facility before the horses and volunteers move back into Park Lane from their temporary home at Manor Farm in Ham.

During the evening Natalie will be interviewed by top racing broadcaster and author, Nick Luck, who lives locally, and who played a key part in supporting Natalie's efforts and offering her advice.

She dedicates the book to her 'dad and her children Alice and Woody.'

In a short preface she writes: "This book is about an ordinary girl from Birmingham, who liked horses so much she wanted to grow up and run a riding stables. The girl wanted the stables to cater for children and adults with disabilities, additional needs and anyone who needed a friend.

"That girl was me and it has been my privilege to run the Park Lane Stables since 2009. Together with my incredible students, colleagues, community and the British public, we have survived, survived and survived again. This is our story. It is about hope, about horses, and about lots and lots of heroes."

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The event which will take place between 6.30pm and 8.00pm at The Park Hotel and has limited space available so if you would like to attend RSVP to [email protected] as soon as possible.