A former professional jockey who rode for Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and football legend Sir Alex Ferguson has retrained to work for the region's ambulance service.

Thomas Brown, 31, rode 123 winners as a jockey, including his biggest success in 2016 on Educate in the prestigious John Smith’s Cup at York, as well as a win for Sir Alex Ferguson at Ascot and a third place in royal silks as an apprentice jockey. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Thomas Brown in the Royal coloursThomas Brown in the Royal colours (Image: EEAST)

After injuries saw him give up his jockey's licence in 2017, he has found his "second calling" at the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) where he has now been working for a year. 

Mr Brown said: "I feel incredibly proud to wear the green uniform and work for the ambulance service.

"I had some great days as a jockey, but it feels like I have found my second calling at EEAST and I’m loving every minute of it.  

"To see the difference you make to patients is incredible. It’s a good feeling when you see the relief on a patient’s face when you arrive on scene and it’s even better when you make them more comfortable."

East Anglian Daily Times: Thomas Brown in his EEAST uniform in front of an emergency vehicleThomas Brown in his EEAST uniform in front of an emergency vehicle (Image: EEAST)

The career change came after he consulted with a career adviser at the Jockeys Education and Training Scheme (JETS) who arranged for him to meet EEAST paramedics providing medical cover on a Newmarket raceday so he could find out more about the role. 

Mr Brown successfully applied to become an emergency care assistant working in the Bury St Edmunds area and started in March 2023.

He said: "Becoming a paramedic is the eventual goal but I’m taking things one step at a time and enjoying learning new skills from supportive colleagues who want you to do well.

"Working in the ambulance service has matured me a lot and given me a wider perspective on life."

East Anglian Daily Times: Thomas Brown holds up the trophy for the prestigious John Smith's Cup after winning the race aboard the horse, Educate, in 2016Thomas Brown holds up the trophy for the prestigious John Smith's Cup after winning the race aboard the horse, Educate, in 2016 (Image: EEAST)

Jemma Varela, head of clinical operations in Suffolk and North East Essex, said: "Thomas is an excellent example of someone starting in the ambulance service later in life and seeing a career pathway to progress and do well at EEAST.

"Working for the ambulance service is incredibly rewarding and it’s great that Thomas loves his job and feels he has found his second calling."