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03 October 2024

JURASSIC COAST CHALLENGERS RAISE £18,500 FOR CHARITY RACING WELFARE

On September 29th, 49 participants embarked on Racing Welfare’s inaugural Jurassic Coast Challenge in Dorset. Starting at 7 am from Durdle Door, the group covered 22 miles and ascended 1,443 meters -equivalent to climbing Ben Nevis – along the southwest coastal path, finishing in Swanage.

Despite blustery winds and heavy afternoon rain, the determined hikers persevered. The final group reached Swanage School, the base, at 5:15 pm.

Andrea O’Keeffe was among the group. “It was a tough but brilliant experience, and I was lucky to be part of an awesome team of ten people with Josh Apiafi setting a great pace for us. We felt like old handicappers in a race made for thorough stayers, not sprinters! It was a wonderful event and Racing Welfare provides such crucial support to everyone in the industry, and we were delighted to finish and do our bit to support.”

*Dark skies above failed to dampen the spirits of the walkers*

The challenge raised £18,500 for Racing Welfare, with donations still being received.

Among the group was an eight-person team from Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero’s racing stables; representatives from Newsells Park Stud and Harry and Christina Dunlop. Popular racecourse photographer Dan Abraham also put on his walking boots alongside a number of Racing Welfare beneficiaries. Racing Welfare Trustee Richard Farquhar, known for his previous fundraising walk of 60 British racecourses was also on hand to share his experience.

*The teams passed wonderful scenery including Durdle Door*

Racing Welfare’s chief executive Dawn Goodfellow said: “What an incredible effort from absolutely everybody, not only tackling such a gruelling route but also having to do battle with the elements when conditions were less than kind! The camaraderie and team spirit were evident throughout and no doubt helped keep them going until the end. They should all be very proud of what they achieved, both in completing such an epic challenge and for their stellar fundraising efforts.”

Donations can still be made via individual fundraising pages. For those interested in future challenges, options are available at racingwelfare.co.uk/challenges.