Runners and cyclists raise £100k for Racing Welfare in just one weekend

A group of intrepid runners and riders took on challenges last weekend, all with one common goal: to raise money for Racing Welfare.

The Great Racing Welfare Cycle Challenge was an epic journey from Carlisle Racecourse to Newton Abbot Racecourse for 26 cyclists, who completed 500 miles over the course of five days. Meanwhile in London on Sunday, four runners put on their trainers to tackle the Vitality Big Half Marathon. Collectively, they have raised in excess of £100,000 for Racing Welfare – a phenomenal amount that could fund the annual cost of employing one of the charity’s four welfare teams.

Impact of work spurred on participants

The team of cyclists hailed from all corners of the racing industry, and included trainers, stable staff, a clerk of the course, a racing presenter, former jockeys and even two of Racing Welfare’s own staff members.

Former National Hunt jockey Charlie Poste – who now has a breaking and pre-training yard – was one of the cyclists. “It has been a real personal challenge; a brilliant week with a great team and we’ve had a right laugh along the way. Racing Welfare is a brilliant charity, we’re all indebted to what they do supporting the racing industry which has been a huge part of my life,” said Charlie.

Trainer Henry Daly and wife and Pony Racing Authority CEO, Clarissa were among those taking on the Vitality Big Half Marathon. They regarded the challenge as well out of their comfort zone, but one that represented a chance for them to recognise the support Racing Welfare provided following travelling head person Helen Brisland’s life changing accident on the gallops in 2018.

“Racing Welfare’s support extended to her family, Henry and to all the team. Helen worked so hard to get back on her feet and Racing Welfare were with her every step of the way… We can’t prevent life-changing accidents happening but we can help the outcome. Racing Welfare are there to pick up the pieces and so much more,” reflected Clarissa. Their efforts raised a remarkable £30,000.

Live events key to charity income

Racing Welfare’s Chief Executive Dawn Goodfellow said: “It has been a phenomenal week for Racing Welfare on the fundraising front. After the impact of Covid over the past 18 months, it’s fantastic to get back to live events, and these big challenges will help us deliver big impact for our beneficiaries. Thank you to everyone involved for your amazing efforts fundraising, training, cycling and running on our behalf.”  

You can still show your support to all of the challengers by donating to their respective fundraising pages and text to donate numbers.

To see the full list of participants from The Great Racing Welfare Cycle Challenge and for details on how to donate, click here: https://racingwelfare.co.uk/challenges/the-great-racing-welfare-cycle/

If you’ve been inspired by the cyclists, register your interest now to take part in next year’s epic challenge! Email your details to James at Jschofield@racingwelfare.co.uk