Thursday, March 25, 2010
LADIES DAY AT CHELTENHAM RAISES £140,000 FOR CANCER RESEARCH UK
Cheltenham Racecourse today announced that more than £140,000 was raised for Cancer Research UK on Ladies Day at The Festival. The majority of that amount came from sponsors of the 12 riders in the Cheltenham Festival Ladies Charity Sweepstake, won in thrilling style by Dublin barrister Orna Madden on Prince Picasso. As part of the conditions of entry, all 12 lady riders were tasked with gaining sponsorship of a minimum of £5,000 each; however, many of the ladies who rode far exceeded the minimum amount needed, individually raising five figure sums for the Charity. Collections around the racecourse during the day and at the exits also swelled the figure raised which exceeded even the most optimistic forecasts and generous donations were made by a number of bookmakers including Julie Williams, the daughter of the late Freddie Williams.
Edward Gillespie, Cheltenham’s Managing Director, said: “Ladies Day has grown in popularity since its inception in 2007, but it took a major step forward this year. The Charity race worked really well and I’m sure that the choice of Cancer Research UK as the nominated Charity struck a chord with so many people, as evidenced by the remarkable amount of money raised, with cheques still coming in a week after the event.”
Director of Partnerships for Cancer Research UK, Jools Tait, added “We are absolutely thrilled by the huge amount of money raised through our Ladies Day partnership with Cheltenham Racecourse. The extraordinary achievements of the 12 lady riders who took part in the charity flat race and the generosity of the racegoers will ensure Cancer Research UK is able to continue funding the vital work of our researchers, doctors and nurses right across the UK. Together they bring us closer to our vision of beating cancer.“
The Festival 2011 runs from Tuesday, March 15 to Friday March 18, with Ladies Day taking place on Thursday, March 17.
For old articles (from 1st March 2000) go to the Newslink
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