Monday, October 20th – Jeremy Kyle and John Francome are a few racing enthusiasts to have lent their support to Wincanton’s inaugural Families and Armed Forces Raceday in aid of Combat Stress on Sunday, October 26th.
The themed raceday has been organised to thank serving military personnel, veterans and their families for their service to the nation and also to raise money for Combat Stress which provides essential clinical treatment and social support to more than 5,400 veterans across the nation.
Kyle, Francome and racegoers are being encouraged to SALUTE FOR COMBAT STRESS with a selfie performing a British salute (either Army/Royal Air Force or Royal Navy style). Full details of the campaign can be found here. A donation can be made, from as little as £1, £3, £5 or £10 to Combat Stress by texting SALU73 to 70070 or visit justgiving.com/combat-stress-raceday.
Andrew Johnston, chairman of the event’s organising committee, says: “Our aim is to raise at least £50,000 for Combat Stress and so we are incredibly grateful to Wincanton Racecourse for this high profile raceday which is shaping up to be a great event for racegoers, families and the business and military communities alike – everybody is welcome.”
Steve Parlett, General Manager at Wincanton Racecourse, adds: “The sacrifices that all the armed services make to ensure our on-going safety and security are truly humbling; the team at Wincanton has already posted their selfie and will be proactively encouraging the racing community to support this worthy campaign.
“The team is very much looking forward to hosting The Family and Armed Forces Raceday and are confident that it will help raise significant awareness for Combat Stress.”
More details about the raceday and the entry packages for serving personnel and veterans can be found at the website wincantonforcesraceday.co.uk and donations can be made at justgiving.com/combat-stress-raceday.
Further fundraising initiatives involve an online auction, which is already live, and offers some 74 lots including a sculpture by world renowned sculptor and Falklands veteran, Mark Coreth. For further details and the opportunity to bid visit galabid.com/auction/wincanton
Gates open 11am on Sunday, October 26th with racing off at 1:15pm and the last race scheduled for 4:35pm. Advance tickets are available from £13 with entrance on the day prices starting from £15 with complimentary entry for children 17 and under.
Additional on the day activities include free children’s entertainment from face painting, a ball pond to a bouncy castle with an obstacle course, The Bands and Bugles of 6 and 7 RIFLES, Keystone Brewery’s Beer Festival and live music from Bare Jams. Ex-military horse Beniston, who played a leading role in Trooping the Colour, will also parade on the Grandstand Lawn.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Hannah Walker, Wincanton Racecourse on 07971 598287 or hannahwalker@localdial.com
