In July this year we wrote an application for the ‘SkyBet Ebor Community Sweepstake’; the initiative matches good causes with a runner from this year’s Sky Bet Ebor Horse Race. Twenty-two lucky Yorkshire-based charities, foundations and community groups were shortlisted, and this was announced as part of a live TV draw on Thursday 24th August.
The charity, foundation or community group matched to the horse that won benefitted from a £20,000 donation, and second and third place also received £5,000 and £2,000 respectively. All remaining shortlisted causes received a £1,000 donation to put towards a specific project or initiative.
Sue attended the Thursday draw with her husband, and both came home knowing that Saturday was going to be a great occasion and a ‘celebration’ of the differing organisations’ work.
The charities shortlisted for the prize included Age UK Hull & East Yorkshire, Antibiotic Research UK, Barnsley Hospice, Calderdale Smart Move, Friends of Kirkham Henry Performing Arts CIC, Homeless Street Angels, Kingfisher Café, Library of Things, Looking Back CIC, Menfulness, Open Country, Poppleton Community Trust, Proud ‘N’ Diverse, Sheffield Voices, Streetangels York, Support Dogs, The Clothing Bank, The Crafty Creatives, The Partially Sighted Society, Working Carers Champions and York, Ryedale & District Multiple Sclerosis Group and us, Taking Baby Steps CIC.
We had to be there by 11.30 on the Saturday and were welcomed with the other attendees to a private box with great views of the Racecourse. Complementary drinks and lunch was provided as well as a ‘tips’ talk! Being complete novices to Racing and Betting we didn’t take this too seriously, but it was entertaining, nonetheless.
Sue was put on the hotspot and interviewed for Racing TV – (they say do something every day that makes your heart beat faster, right?)
Then, after a couple of free hours to wander round the grounds and spectate we returned for the ‘big race’ at 15.35.
Our horse was HMS President, ridden by Rossa Ryan. The race started well but the duo wasn’t ‘feeling the love’ (or perhaps we didn’t cheer loud enough) as they came in with the last couple of runners.
However, the atmosphere and mutual joy shared between the Community Groups and Charities was so wonderful, with everyone congratulating Sheffield Voices and their horse ‘Absurde’ ridden by Frankie Dettori coming in 1st place.
We met some really lovely people and both of us are so grateful to SkyBet & York Races for their hospitality. The £1000 donation will be put to good use and definitely help us to continue supporting women and their partners who sadly experience symptoms of trauma as a result of pregnancy loss or a difficult birth experience.
