Racing Welfare expands service provision in Middleham

Racing Welfare has appointed Sarah Kilby as a Welfare Officer in the busy Yorkshire racing centre of Middleham.

Sarah brings with her a great deal of experience from working within the racing industry in the local area. For the past three years she has been a Yard Manager for Mark Johnston Racing. Prior to this, Sarah has worked as a Marketing Executive at York Racecourse before joining the Darley Flying Start Scholarship scheme and working within the Darley Racing office. Sarah says of her new role, “I am really looking forward to working as a Welfare Officer and representing Racing Welfare to benefit all of racing's workforce in Middleham and the surrounding area”.

The appointment of Sarah represents a distinct expansion of Racing Welfare's service provision in the town, in which fourteen trainers currently reside. Sarah's role does not only cover the immediate locality; the entire North-East region will benefit from her full-time position which will offer support to all stud, stable and support staff working in the area.

Racing Welfare currently has accommodation for four young people at 1 Victoria House in Middleham which was opened in 2010 and also houses the charity's regional office. The property provides accommodation for young people entering the racing industry who have completed training at one of the racing schools. Sarah will be joining Scott Dobson, the part-time Welfare Office Assistant to offer a fully rounded support service.

Chief Executive, Dawn Goodfellow, said “I am delighted to welcome Sarah to Racing Welfare. She will bring a great deal of experience and enthusiasm to her role and I am extremely pleased to see an expansion of Racing Welfare's presence in Middleham. The services which Racing Welfare offers are vital to racing's workforce and it is our priority that these services should be accessible across the whole of the UK.”

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Press contact:

Rachel Cawley (01638 560763; rcawley@racingwelfare.co.uk)

Notes for 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.