With the end of the eventing season only one month away, we’re starting to reflect on the incredible support we’ve received throughout the year. Throughout 2024 and even more so through the eventing season, we’ve seen a remarkable outpouring of generosity. So many amazing individuals, families and businesses have contributed their expertise and resources to help raise money and spread the word about our mission here at the British Eventing Support Trust.
With several big fundraising events on the horizon, it feels like the right moment to look back on all that’s been achieved and, most importantly, say thank you. The dedication shown by our supporters has helped ensure that we can continue to provide essential services for British Eventing competing members in need, and we’re incredibly grateful.
We also wanted to make special mentions for several of our fundraisers: the Campbell and Strang families and the late Claire Lomas. Claire undertook an online auction to raise money for us and, like the rest of the equestrian world, we were devasted to hear of her passing in September. The Strang and Campbell families have shown such incredible strength and dignity in the months since Georgie’s passing, and we’re thankful that they chose to raise money for our cause in her memory – thank you. The thoughts of all our staff and trustees are with Georgie and Claire’s families.
So, we get to our list of all the people, events and businesses who have helped us this year, and a snapshot of their contributions We couldn’t do our work without your support, so thanks goes to:
- Pippa and William Funnell – fundraising at a Billy Stud Auction
- Sophie Elton – online raffle
- Tina Cook – Badminton course walk
- Nicola Wilson – coffee and a catch up at Badminton
- Buckminster Park ODE – donation
- Phil Cramp – sponsorship from Hadrian’s Wall distance run
- Simon Grieve – sponsorship from climbing Mont Blanc
- Lycetts: Recipient of a grant as part of the Benefact Group Movement for Good Awards
- Belsay International Horse Trials – sold ‘Belsay Supports BEST’ rugs
- Burgham International Horse Trials – fundraising throughout the event
- Douglas Crawford and FOMO – course walk at Blair
- Alex Bragg – Burghley course walk
- Austin O’Connor – Burghley course walk
- Hartpury International Horse Trials – charity welcome party
- BE Scotland/ Gin It To Win It – members donated when buying their membership
- Cornbury House International Horse Trials – official charity partner 2024
- Howden Equine Insurance: sponsored ride on the Ridely app
- Eco Voltz – ongoing support!
Looking ahead, we’re excited to see more fundraising events in the calendar, including Julia Northcott and Emily King both undertaking running challenges in aid of our work, as well as Nicola Wilson speaking at a dinner hosted by BHS Yorkshire.
We’re also looking forward to two very big fundraisings events happening later this year: Cycle4Caroline (C4C) and our Winter Ball. Our Winter Ball is sold out, and we have been humbled by the support you’ve shown! Thank you to everyone who has purchased tickets and tables, and we can’t wait to party with you in November. Our silent auction will be live two weeks before the ball and includes a large number of unique and money-can’t-buy prizes, so keep an eye on our social media for more details.
C4C is a charity cycle ride in memory of Caroline March, who sadly passed away in March 2024. Eight cyclists, including Caroline’s brother, Tom March, and sister-in-law Piggy March, will cover over 1,100km from Scotland to London. Piggy is one of Britain’s leading event riders, having won gold medals at World and European Championships, as well as victories at Badminton and Burghley. They will be joined by Ian Stark, our chairman and bona fide eventing legend, as well as Alastair Wilson, who is our joint patron with his wife Nicola.
The cyclists will be joined by very special guests from the equestrian world and beyond on various legs of the journey, so make sure you stay tuned for more details… The ride begins at Blair Castle on 20th November and will finish in London at The Savoy Hotel on 30th November, just in time for our black-tie Winter Ball – though the cyclists might be hoping for a bubble bath straight after the champagne reception! All funds raised will go to two causes that are close to the C4C team’s hearts: our charitable endeavours, and the work of Spinal Research.
To learn more about the C4C route, meet all the riders taking party and support their efforts, please visit cycle4caroline.com or donate directly here. Every contribution helps us continue making a difference!
