A rider who based an annual charity present in reminiscence of her mom has raised greater than £22,000 to assist the work of Parkinson’s UK.
Clare Watts advised H&H she is “overwhelmed” with the quantity raised for the charity annually and {that a} key a part of the present at Whitlake Farm in Devon can be to boost consciousness of Parkinson’s illness.
Clare’s mom Marjorie Vale was identified with the neurodegenerative situation in 2008 and died in 2016. The next 12 months, Clare determined that she want to elevate cash for Parkinson’s UK, which had supplied care and assist for her mom.
With the assistance of Clare’s husband Andy, and a crew of volunteers, Whitlake Farm held its first charity dressage present in 2017.
“With just a few enviornment sponsors and opponents we raised £1,100, which we have been delighted with and we determined to make it an annual occasion,” she mentioned.
“For the final 5 years, we’ve had a theme and inspired fancy costume, with the concept of placing the enjoyable into dressage and inspiring folks to provide dressage a go.
“The occasion has grown into a extremely nice enjoyable day for opponents and spectators. We’ve a terrific crew of volunteers, together with the judges who give us their time.”
In 2018, Clare’s son Tristan donated the Marjorie Vale Problem Cup, which is awarded to the competitor with the best rating of the day. Tim Cutler, who rode his first dressage check on the 2024 present, was this 12 months’s winner.
The 2025 theme was Hollywood, and the present welcomed new faces in addition to lots of those that have been attending for the reason that begin, who come to assist even when they aren’t driving.
“This 12 months we raised £3,610 and since we began – clearly there was no occasion throughout Covid – we’ve now raised a complete of £22,540 for Parkinson’s UK. However most significantly the advances in treatment and coverings for Parkinson’s since we began have been superb,” mentioned Clare. “We really feel our position isn’t solely to boost cash for Parkinson’s UK but in addition to boost consciousness.”
She added: “I’m at all times overwhelmed by how a lot we make, though we do work very arduous to realize sponsors and good raffle prizes, plus selling the occasion and arranging a crew of volunteers, together with the judges.
“My husband and I, whereas we moan like loopy in regards to the arduous work within the build-up, we at all times have a superb day, chatting and laughing with all of the company and opponents. My buddy and constant supporter from the start runs the cafe. On the finish of the day, as soon as we’ve tidied up and sorted my horses out, the three of us sit down with a glass of champagne and rely the cash, so we will submit on Fb that night time how a lot we’ve raised.
“I understand how a lot it could have meant to my mum, and the way a lot it nonetheless means to Parkinson’s UK as a charity.”
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H&H senior information author
Lucy is an skilled information journalist, reporter and presenter. Since becoming a member of the Horse & Hound crew in 2015, Lucy has reported from main world sporting occasions together with the Tokyo Paralympic Video games and a number of European Championships, in addition to Badminton, Burghley and London, to call just a few. She has lined present affairs and sports activities information throughout the complete spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, in addition to human and equine welfare, business information and courtroom circumstances.
