The British Eventing Support Trust’s Winter Ball, the charity’s biggest fundraising event of the year, took place on Saturday 30th of November at the Savoy Hotel in London. Thanks to the generosity of attendees and supporters, the evening has raised an incredible £254,965, making it the most successful Winter Ball to date. Funds were generated through ticket sales, a live auction on the evening, a Silent Auction, raffle and generous donations from attendees. Huge thanks goes to the Winter Ball sponsors:
Addo Events
Hambro Sports Horses
Lavender Green Flowers
Project Pony
Walkernova Sports Horses
West Kington Stud
The money raised will enable the British Eventing Support Trust to continue its vital work supporting the physical and mental health wellbeing of event riders of all levels.
The Winter Ball also marked the conclusion of the Cycle4Caroline challenge, which saw a group of riders complete their epic 1,100-kilometre journey from Blair Castle in Scotland to the Savoy Hotel just in time to join the celebrations. The challenge, held in memory of the late Caroline March, has currently raised over £305,000 for two causes close to the organiser’s hearts: the British Eventing Support Trust and Spinal Research. The funds raised will be split equally, helping to further the British Eventing Support Trust’s mission and supporting vital research into spinal cord injuries.
Chair of the Winter Ball committee and BE Support Trust trustee Lexi Hambro says: “I cannot thank everyone enough for their support at the Winter Ball. What a brilliant night of entertainment, fundraising and raising awareness. The highlight of the evening was listening to the very inspirational Saffron Cresswell speak to Nicola Wilson, about her rehabilitation journey, after her fall earlier this year. What a driven young lady Saffron is and we continue to send positive thoughts to her in her rehabilitation journey.”
Once again the photographer at the Winter Ball was Julian Portch. Julian has uploaded photographs from the evening onto his website and is very kindly giving 50% of any photographs purchased from the night to the charity. There are some great ones! You can find the link here: https://www.julianportch.com/m/-/galleries/parties-events-proms/2024-11-30-british-eventing-support-trust-winter
A provisional date has been set for the fourth Winter Ball, which will take place on Saturday November 29th, 2025 – please save the date and do let us know if you would like a table for next year!
The British Eventing Support Trust’s board of trustees and staff extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended the Winter Ball, participated in the Silent Auction and supported the Cycle4Caroline challenge. The trustees and staff would also like to take opportunity to thank the Winter Ball committee for all their hard work. Thanks goes to: Lexi Hambro, Chair, Faye Archer, Simon Blake, Nicole Brown, Heather Chapman, Georgie Fowle, Margie Gibb, Diana Gilberston, Simon Grieve, Joanna Moore, Rachel Upton, Charlotte Walker.
