Annual Racing Welfare Carol Concert at Tattersalls raises over £5,000

Issued: 11th December 2015

PRESS RELEASE

Annual Racing Welfare Carol Concert at Tattersalls raises over £5,000

The 2015 renewal of this well-loved event proved to be a very memorable one. Derek 'Tommo' Thompson provided an endless stream of entertainment as compere for the evening; introducing the line-up of stellar speakers and dancing along with the choir.

Speakers included racehorse trainer James Fanshawe; Newmarket Mayor (and racehorse trainer) John Berry; Tattersalls Director Jimmy George; previous Newmarket Mayor George Lambton and daughter of racehorse trainer (and drama school student) Lucinda Jarvis.

The finale featured a mysterious Santa Claus, whose extensive beard obscured his face quite successfully. He was eventually revealed to be Group 1 winning trainer Hugo Palmer. The return of the donkeys; Gordon, George, William and Wayne; from Gate & West Donkeys in Bury St Edmunds proved to be a highlight for all age-groups too.

Students from the Darley Flying Start graduate programme were on hand to help service mince pies and mulled wine at the start of the event and to undertake an exit collection at the end of proceedings. Generous attendees gave over £365 in donations with the event as a whole raising more than £5,000 for the charity.

Racing Welfare's carol concert is a volunteer-led event organised by a committee of dedicated Racing Welfare supporters. The committee, consisting of Leigh Hall, Dr Lynda Brereton (Head of Fairstead House School), Anna Hanagan, Anya Kothari, Belinda Drummond and Simon Bailey ( Chaplain to the Horseracing Industry) worked very hard to make it such a huge success.

ENDS………..

Press contact

Rachel Cawley rcawley@racingwelfare.co.uk01638 560763

Notes to Editors

Racing Welfare is a UK-wide charity whose headquarters are in Newmarket. It serves the needs of racing personnel from the beginning of their careers through to retirement. The wide range of help provided includes provision of affordable housing, mentoring schemes for young workers, advice for those coping with illness and disabilities; through to specialist counselling and support at times of need or personal crisis.