EVERY death brings with it sadness and a huge sense of loss. No one feels it more than the immediate family as a huge gap is left in the daily lives of those left behind.

The nature of John Thomas McNamara’s injury and his subsequent life meant that his presence in the lives of his wife Caroline and his three children was all the more powerful. Needing constant care he nonetheless fought hard, but sadly he lost that valiant battle.

Not every death touches a community, an industry or a nation as did that of John Thomas. His fall on that fateful day in Cheltenham stunned and shocked so many, and the more than three years since has seen so much goodwill generated towards him, his family and his colleagues. Out of the tragedy of that fall came so much good.

The announcement during the week of funding for career-ending insurance for jockeys could not have had a more poignant launch. The scheme was born of such calamities as that which befell John Thomas. The handprint of J.T. will be forever on this scheme, even if the scheme is for professionals only.

We are also reminded, as Ruby Walsh put it so well, that as jockeys head out of the parade ring each day none of them know what lies ahead. Sure, they accept the risks of injury but it is when they are career ending or fatal that they impact so much more harshly on the rider and their family.

The Irish Injured Jockeys, along with others working in this area, have been doing such good work to help those stricken after falls and they will continue to be called upon. Remember to help them in any way you can.

Improving the lot of jockeys is vital, but so too is the welfare of all who work tirelessly in the breeding and racing sector.

While there are many organisations that provide help in specific areas, the launch of an Industry Assistance Programme this week is another step in the right direction.

This scheme is available on a freephone number and can offer help in times of crisis, stress and difficulty. The assistance it can offer ranges from health, counselling, diet, legal and financial and is open to stud and stable staff, breeders, trainers, jockeys, racecourse staff and employees of industry bodies.