
#GoRacingGreen celebrates Glorious Goodwood at Care Home in Chichester
At this time in a normal year, a minibus full of residents from Marriott House Lodge and Care Home in Chichester would make the short journey to enjoy a day out at Glorious Goodwood, but sadly owing to the current situation with Covid-19, this is not possible.
However, as part of Unibet Racing’s sponsorship of both #GoRacingGreen and as the official betting partner for the Qatar Goodwood Festival, this year Glorious Goodwood will be taken to the residents.
Debbie Matthews, who runs the #GoRacingGreen initiative, had the idea that as the resumption of racing to the public was some time away, and many, particularly the most vulnerable like those in residential facilities, were still unlikely to be able to get out and about, that racing should be taken to them. Ed Nicholson, Head of Kindred Racing Sponsorship and Communications, put the idea to Goodwood Racecourse, who provided details of some local care facilities within the area.
Debbie contacted Sarah Harding, the Activities Coordinator at Marriott House, who was delighted to be involved in a Virtual Glorious Goodwood on Saturday 1st August.
A special lunch will be served to all residents on the day, followed by an afternoon garden party while watching the racing. Staff and residents will also dress up for the occasion, and Debbie will attend the garden party on the day to take pictures and videos to share across social media.
“When I spoke to Sarah she was absolutely delighted that the residents were going to have the opportunity to be involved in Glorious Goodwood and do something different,” said Debbie.”
“They have been in lockdown since March and it has obviously become a little mundane and monotonous for them all, staff and residents alike. I have been very conscious that with the ongoing limitations on raceday attendance it was really important to start reaching out to communities in a different way, so it is brilliant that we are able to involve those at Marriott House to start things off. Hopefully going forward we can do much more of this, thanks to Unibet’s support.”