‘It represents a personal challenge, a lifelong ambition and an opportunity to give back.’ Becky Mason shares her experience of preparing for the 2026 Macmillan Ride of Their Lives at York.  

I’m Becky Mason, and I’m delighted to be taking part in the 2026 Macmillan Ride of Their Lives at York Racecourse.  

Taking part in the Macmillan Ride of Their Lives is a huge honour. It represents a personal challenge, a lifelong ambition and an opportunity to give back. I am very much looking forward to race day at York and making it an experience to remember. 

First-hand insight 

As a healthcare professional working within the York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, I see first-hand the vital role charities play in supporting patients and services. Macmillan Cancer Support provides invaluable care to those affected by cancer. Events like this raise both awareness and significant funds, and this race day is one of their biggest fundraising events of the year, which makes being involved even more meaningful. 

I applied to ride because I enjoy setting myself a challenge each year. Last year I completed an Ironman, so I was looking for something different but equally demanding. This race combines a physical challenge with raising money for a great cause, which made it an easy decision. It allows me to push myself while contributing to something far bigger than the race itself. 

A lifelong connection to racing 

Racing has always been part of my life. I come from a family deeply connected to the sport, my grandad and uncle, Mick and David Easterby, train racehorses, my aunt trained two Cheltenham winners, my cousins are now joint trainers, and my sister, Jo Mason, rides as a professional jockey. 

My mum also rode in this race 11 years ago, so I have always understood the level of commitment it takes. When I told my grandad I had secured a place, he was thrilled and immediately said he would find me the best horse in the yard. 

I grew up riding with the Middleton Pony Club, which gave me my first real experience in the saddle. I then spent five seasons point-to-pointing, developing my skills and gaining a strong grounding, alongside a real love of competition. I also went to school in York and spent much of my youth running cross country on the Knavesmire. 

York Racecourse feels like a home track to me. As it is local, Mick and David have many runners there, and I attend regularly. The atmosphere, history and prestige make it unique. To now have the chance to ride there myself feels incredibly special, and it will be a completely different experience being on the other side of the track. 

Becky Mason preparing for Macmillan Ride of Their Lives on Pop The Question 

Preparing for the challenge 

Preparation is going well, although balancing training, fundraising and full-time work has been a challenge. I have built a strong fitness base through regular gym work at Jack Berry House (Injured Jockeys Fund centre) and have recently focused on more specific race preparation, including equicizer sessions, which are intense but very beneficial. I have also been riding out regularly to build confidence and strength. Managing time has been a challenge, but the motivation behind the cause keeps me focused. 

I feel very lucky to have such strong support from friends and family. Everyone has been incredibly encouraging, and I have even appointed my mum as my fundraising manager. She has been my biggest supporter throughout this journey. 

If you would like to support or follow my journey, please visit: 
https://www.justgiving.com/page/beckymason