Within a whisker of funds target

JUST like any other expecting mum, Kristy Banks has been busily preparing for the arrival of her first child.

Part of that preparation, interestingly, has included the purchase of a miniature horse named Gordie.

The accomplished jockey and her husband Dale Groves, all going to plan, will welcome a baby boy on September 6 via a caesarean section.

“Hopefully he likes horses,”

Kristy laughed.

The arrival of their first baby will be a welcomed celebration in an otherwise trying few years.

The 32-year-old was paralysed in a horse riding accident at Clifford Park race course on New Year’s Eve, 2011.

Despite the immense obstacle placed before her, Kristy has faith in modern medicine and hopes to once again regain the use of her legs.

In support of his wife’s goal, Dale has taken on a quirky fundraiser for Spinal Cure Australia during Kristy’s pregnancy.

When he found out that Kristy was expecting, he vowed not to shave his face until their baby boy arrived.

Nine-months-later and Dale’s chin is a lot warmer and donations are still rolling in.

“At first I thought $1000 was a good start, but we received an overwhelming response,” he said.

“So we thought let’s make it $3000.”

To donate visit https://give.everyday hero.com/au/dale-1

RAISING FUNDS: Dale Groves has vowed not to shave his beard until his baby boy arrives. With just two weeks until bub’s expected arrival, wife Kristy Banks is looking forward to seeing his clean-shaven face again.