Evelina London supports teen patient to achieve dressage dreams

A determined 16-year-old Evelina London patient is taking on the world of dressage, with future dreams of the Paralympics.

Govind Nambiar, who has cerebral palsy, a movement disorder affecting all his four limbs, was the youngest to compete in the 2024 Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) national championships, and placed fourth in the overall rankings.  

The former UK junior champion, from Bexleyheath in south east London, first took up horse riding aged 5 on the recommendation of his doctor at Evelina London Children’s Hospital to help him strengthen his muscles.

Govind has had multiple orthopaedic operations at Evelina London Children’s Hospital to help his movement. Aged 8 and 10, he underwent lengthening surgeries to his shortened lower limb muscles while more recently in 2022 he had an osteotomy, major surgery to his shinbone to correct its alignment and help him walk with more stability and comfort in the long term.

Following his most recent surgery by Mr Michail Kokkinakis, consultant paediatric orthopaedic surgeon at Evelina London, Govind is now able to walk, and sit on his horse, more comfortably. Govind’s mum, Kavitha Nambiar, said:

Mr Kokkinakis is very considerate about the future and not just the immediate fix when it comes to surgery, he always does what is best for the child in their circumstances. It is a blessing that Mr Kokkinakis has done this for us.

After 6 months of intensive rehabilitation from his shinbone alignment surgery, Govind was thrilled to be back in training at Arrow Riding Club, and make it to the national RDA championships. Govind said:

Horse riding is one of the things where people like me, disabled people, can participate. You aren’t dependent on anyone, and you’re on top of the world.

Govind, who would like to do a degree apprenticeship in finance, added:

As a therapy it is one of the best things you can do, it strengthens all of your muscles and improves your overall condition. Horse riding also helps my mental health and lets me escape from reality. The horse is such a therapeutic animal.

Next, the young rider is aspiring to reach the Paralympics. Govind said:

My dream is to get to Paralympics level – I will push as much as I can to get there.

Govind receives care from a team of specialists at Evelina London including occupational therapists, physiotherapists, neurologists, and surgeons. Kavita, who’s younger son, Raj, was also cared for at Evelina London’s neonatal intensive care unit when he was born prematurely in 2013, said:

The hospital is so welcoming and accommodating for the whole family. All the staff are amazing.

His orthopaedic surgeon, Mr Michail Kokkinakis said:

It has been a privilege to watch Govind grow into a young man, and see how his care at Evelina London has helped him gain confidence and strength, and a passion for his sport. We are all so proud of him and his incredible achievements.

Evelina London Children’s Charity helps support the compassionate, trailblazing care of Evelina London, and fuel incredible moments, every day. Their support allowed surgeons to access the latest cutting-edge 3D software which helps them to plan delicate surgeries, like Govind’s, before they enter the operating theatre, making surgeries more precise. 

Barbara Kasumu, Executive Director of Evelina London Children’s Charity, said:

It is a privilege to support Evelina London. From play at a child’s bedside, to the cutting-edge technology used to help make Govind’s surgery more precise and improve the long-term outcome, these moments all add up to the incredible care patients and their families receive.

An RDA spokesperson said:

For many disabled people finding an activity that provides fun, physical and emotional benefits, and opportunities for progression can be difficult. At the RDA we use the unique relationship between people and horses to deliver a range of activities that transform lives. Our competitions provide a platform for sporting achievement and Paralympic potential, so it is really exciting to see young talent like Govind developing. His determination and skills are truly inspiring and embody the ‘can do’ spirit of the RDA.