RUNNERS are being asked to tackle fundraising at the gallop with an annual horse race with a difference.
Volunteers are being invited to man the front of a pantomime horse as well as its rear to raise welcome funds for St Teresa’s Hospice, which offers care to patients in Darlington, South Durham and North Yorkshire.
Any competitors who take the hump over their odds could find themselves in a panto camel outfit instead or even a cow.
Fun will be a sure fire bet as contestants go for a day at the races on July 12 at Catterick Racecourse.
Punters are also being invited to the racecourse to enjoy a traditional card as well as the panto special with transport available from Darlington and the best of hospitality.
Tickets are £65, which includes a reception drink, buffet luncheon, afternoon tea and coffee and access to a private Tote.
Competitors in the panto ace are asked to raise at least £100 through sponsorship. There will also be a bucket collection in the parade ring before the race where the entrant with the most donations will be judged Best Turned Out. Teams of three will also receive free entry to Catterick Racecourse for the day.
Last year’s winners, from Vauxhall dealers Sherwoods, set the bar high in a race of comic drama.
Team members from EE have already booked a place on the starting line as they bid for race glory and the chance to raise more money for the much-loved charity.
St Teresa’s Hospice chief executive Jane Bradshaw said: “Panto race day is the perfect occasion for those people who love a bit of horseplay.
“The atmosphere is second to none and while we all have a great day out the money comes in to help us continue our serious work.”
St Teresa’s Hospice needs more than £2.2m a year to provide services to the region.
More in-patients than ever are using the new 10-bed unit, which offers peerless quality of care to patients and their families.
A host of community services, including the volunteer visitors service, rapid response team and hospice at home initiatives, take hospice knowhow and skills, empathy and support to where they are needed most, people’s homes.
St Teresa’s continues to fulfil a crucial role in an area north of Harrogate to south of Durham.
Satellite services in Elizabeth House, the former St John of God Hospital in Scorton, provide a mini St Teresa’s in North Yorkshire, the Richmondshire Day Hospice.
Supported by driving services, this brings relief to a rural area where people can feel even more isolated than in town.
Physiotherapy, complementary therapies, nursing consultations and a host of activities at the North Yorkshire satellite support patients and their families at challenging times of their lives to great effect.
The St T’s charity shops also serves to increase the hospice’s profile across the region and spread the message about its work. A newly opened superstore in Darlington bolsters a network of retail outlets in Thirsk, Northallerton, Leyburn, Richmond, Shildon and Barnard Castle.
To secure a place for your firm in the panto race, or for more information about how to attend this exclusive Race Day, please contact the events team on 01325 254321.