West Berks Mencap Race Day – An Atmosphere Of Sunshine and Smiles Raises Much Needed Funds!

Outside the weather may have been cold and grey, but inside the atmosphere was all sunshine and smiles at West Berkshire Mencap’s Corporate Race Day, on Friday 1^st March.  In fact, this year’s event was a sell-out and the charity believes it has raised over £24,000!

Although the weather wasn’t the cheerful Spring day guests, including Sir Chay and Lady Blyth, Bill Turnbull and Lorraine Chase, had hoped for, the room at Newbury Racecourse was filled with happy faces.  After mingling with a glass of bubbly, the guests found their tables and were invited to join in with a pre-lunch game of heads and tales!  Then along with top tips for the afternoon’s races, there was a raffle and an auction.  The auction and raffle included a visit to BBC Breakfast and a tour with Bill Turnbull, a tasting lunch at the Vineyard Stockcross, a tour of Park House Stables, a stay at the Rickety Bridge Country House in South Africa, a signed copy of Pippa Middleton’s book, a meal for two at the Dundas Arms and a floral display.

"We were thrilled by the amount of support West Berkshire Mencap received for the event, both locally and nationally, and that people understood that West Berkshire Mencap is a local charity that has to raise its own money,” commented Leila Ferguson, CEO of West Berkshire Mencap.  “I heard several people say how brilliant it was to have such fun raising money for such a lovely, local charity.  This year we were pleased the event sold out and even more so that we have already sold some tables for next year.  We believe, once all the auction money comes in, that we will have raised in the region of £17,000, which is fabulous!  And, to top off a great day, we were really delighted that at the event Lorraine Chase agreed to become one of our patrons."

“This year West Berks Mencap needs to do more fundraising than ever, so its fantastic news that our corporate race day was so successful.” said Paul Pointer, Trustee. “We’d particularly like to thank all the local companies who were involved whether they came on the day, bought one of the incredible prizes in the auction or simply donated something for the raffle.  We appreciate all the support we receive from local businesses.  If there are companies who want to get involved next year, or buy tickets early, they should contact West Berkshire Mencap centre on 01635 41464”.