A local charity has hosted a dedicated raceday at Nottingham Racecourse, raising thousands of pounds towards helping improve the lives of children with life-threatening illnesses.

 

Nottingham charity When You Wish Upon A Star hosted its first ever charity raceday at the course on Friday (17th July), the first of a whole host of initiatives planned as part of a three-year deal with The Jockey Club. 

 

The raceday saw the charity sponsor all six races on the card alongside its partners, with volunteers situated across the course to help champion the cause and raise vital funds through bucket collections. 

 

When You Wish Upon A Star was founded by Barbara White at her home in Sherwood in 1990, with the mission of bringing a small amount of happiness into the lives of seriously ill children. 

 

Since then, the charity has expanded nationally and has gone on to grant more than 19,000 wishes and counting for young people up and down the country - with the funds raised at the racecourse going towards future wishes. 

 

The charity relies solely on donations to be able to deliver its life-changing work and it could not hide its delight at the link-up with its local racecourse.

 

Amy Buxton, Head of Income Generation for the charity, said: “We had an amazing day at Nottingham Racecourse on Friday, raising more than £5,500 on the day alone. 

 

“We were lucky enough to have the whole raceday to ourselves from a sponsorship perspective, with three of our most generous supporters being with us on the day. It really helped us get the message out there and it felt particularly fitting that one of the horses carried silks containing a star into the winners’ enclosure, as that’s one of our main symbols of the charity. 

 

“Getting the chance to enjoy a day at the races has been a new experience for us, but it's been heartwarming to engage with the community and see their amazing generosity first hand. 

 

“Each of our wishes costs around £3,000 on average to fulfill, so it’s amazing to have raised more than £8,000 alongside The Jockey Club already this year, with another half a season to go! Hopefully we can continue to work towards improving more young lives together.”

 

Daniel Craggs, General Manager of Nottingham Racecourse, said: “We were thrilled to host When You Wish Upon A Star on Friday. The charity does some amazing work up and down the country and it’s particularly special that it all started in Nottingham. 

 

“It’s a tough climate financially for everyone at the moment, let alone charities that are reliant on the generosity of people, so it’s heartwarming to know that The Jockey Club and Nottingham Racecourse are playing a small part in this charity’s story. 

 

“Horse Racing is an incredibly generous community and it’s fantastic to have the opportunity to help such a worthy cause over the next few years.”

 

ENDS