The CatWalk Spinal Cord Injury Research Trust

Spinal cord injury can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time, and New Zealand has one of the highest rates of spinal cord injury in the Western world. The personal, social, and economic costs are significant, with lifelong impacts for individuals, families, and communities.

CatWalk exists to change that future. By focusing resources on the strongest scientific leads and supporting researchers at the forefront of discovery, the Trust aims to transform lives and deliver lasting impact for people affected by spinal cord injury, both in New Zealand and globally.

CatWalk Trust is a New Zealand-registered charity dedicated to finding a cure for spinal cord injury and its symptoms. CatWalk’s vision is a world where spinal cord injury is no longer a life sentence, but a condition that can be treated and reversed.

CatWalk was established in 2005 by Dame Catriona Williams MNZM, formerly one of New Zealand’s leading international equestrian riders. Motivated by the profound personal and societal impact of spinal cord injury, Williams founded CatWalk with the belief that, with the right focus and investment, a cure is not a matter of if, but when.