Colleagues put best foot forward to support mental health

A quick cross-check on Wikipedia’s list of nomadic peoples and the name Farquhar is nowhere to be seen, which comes as something of a surprise given the hereditary wanderlust passed from Richard to his daughter, Minty.

Famed for his epic Walking the Courses feat that saw him join the dots between all 60 British racecourses in 2015/16, Richard was cheerleading on twitter as Great British Racing International’s Communications & Events Executive, Minty set off with five racing colleagues on Sunday to conquer The Ridgeway Walk. Nine hours and 53,000 steps later and the marathon distance from Wantage to Beckhampton was covered.

“I was eager to put my fundraising hat back on for the BHA’s Go Green & Give Back committee, which I sit on. These two causes mean a great deal to a lot of people and I am just grateful to those BHA colleagues who bravely joined me on the walk, and to those who have donated,” said Minty. “I hope this will be annual challenge.”

The proven stayers were the BHA’s Amber Walley, Licensing & Raceday Operations Assistant, Licensing; Kerry Kuznik, Medical Assistant and Matt Mancini who is Retention Development Manager, Industry Recruitment & Training. Great British Racing also fielded PR Executive Laura Mitchell and BHA Graduate Callum Helliwell.

The role of travelling head lad fell to Mike Waring from the Race Planning team, who took to two wheels to keep the group refuelled along the way.

Racing Welfare’s work was once again the cause and the motivator for the challenge, so too the charity Mind, which provides advice and support to those experiencing a mental health problem.

“It was a great walk across The Ridgeway with some amazing views of the British countryside. All in aid of mental health awareness and supporting the work of the charities ahead of World Mental Health Day on 10th October,” said Matt Mancini.

The walk has helped raise over £1,200 for the fund, which has an overall target of £3,500, with two more challenges being planned.

The GBR team clearly enjoyed a break from the planning demands of upcoming QIPCO British Champions Day later this month.

“I really enjoyed the walk and was thrilled to raise money for two very important charities. A particular highlight was the part that overlooked Neil King’s impressive training facilities, and we even managed to watch the Arc live to see Enable win,” added Laura Mitchell.

“A big thank you must go to Minty Farquhar for organising the day so well.”

For more details and to donate, go to: Racing Supports Mental Health Charities