We’re delighted to announce our Family Fun Raceday, held in September this year, has helped to protect a generation of children in Surrey from abuse after raising more than £10,000 for the NSPCC’s Speak out Stay safe service.
The charity is important to Surrey and its local schools, with their specially trained volunteers visiting to teach children aged 4 to 11, with help from mascot Buddy, about abuse in all its forms, how to recognise the signs and protect themselves and where to get help – including via Childline.
In the 2017/18 academic year, the free service spoke to 39,505 children and visited 155 schools in Surrey. Now the charity will be able to reach even more youngsters thanks to £10,426 being raised by the space themed event which was held at Sandown Park racecourse in Esher, on Saturday 1 September.
Of that figure, £4,882 came from bids via the charity’s online silent auction. Prizes included a pair of breeches signed by 30 international jockeys, a visit to leading trainer Harry Fry’s Dorset stables, a meet and greet with UK Champion Jump Jockey Richard Johnson at the 2019 Cheltenham Festival and a luxury holiday for eight on the Costa Del Sol.
Fun family activities on the day included face painting, a reptile petting zoo, space themed balloon modelling, biscuit making and crafting, activity packs, a climbing wall, bungee trampolines, bouncy castles, and a soft play area, plus the chance to meet Sparkle - Sandown’s horse mascot.
Janet Hinton, Schools Service Manager London and South East, said: “We are extremely grateful to Sandown Park racecourse for choosing to support the NSPCC’s Speak out Stay safe service.
“In the UK, 1 in 5 children have suffered abuse. This abuse robs children of their childhood, leaving them feeling ashamed, frightened and alone. By visiting primary schools across the UK and Channel Islands, we give children the knowledge they need to stay safe from harm and to speak out if they’re worried. But we cannot do it alone.
“To protect a generation of children from abuse we need your help to reach every child in the UK through our Speak out Stay safe schools programme. £3 is all it costs to reach one more primary school child and empower them with the knowledge they need to stay safe from abuse. You can help too by visiting our website www.nspcc.org.uk and making a donation.”
Phil White, London Regional Director, The Jockey Club said: “The team at Sandown Park Racecourse were delighted to be able to support the NSPCC and the charity’s Speak out Stay safe service at our Family Fun Day on Saturday.
“The NSPCC’s work to keep children safe is a cause close to many people’s hearts and we would like to thank the Sandown Park racegoers who helped to raise £10,000 to support the charity’s crucial work in schools which will no doubt help 1,000s of children. We were also pleased to increase awareness about the Speak out Stay safe service among children and their families who enjoyed a superb day’s racing together with family entertainment for all ages.”
More information can also be found on the website about how to become a volunteer for the service or request a visit to your school at www.nspcc.org.uk.
