THE line-up of amateur riders due to ride in front of a crowd at York Racecourse for Macmillan Cancer Support has been announced.

Twelve amateur riders have signed up to compete at the Macmillan Charity Raceday on June 13 and raise at least £2,500 each for Macmillan.

Their challenge officially got under way this week when they gathered at the course for a meet and greet day. In the coming months before the race, the riders will be given expert riding tuition at the Northern Racing College in Doncaster and a training day back at York with former champion jockey Kevin Darley.

Hayley Cooke, special events manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “While the 12 are all keen riders, taking on the Macmillan Charity Race is a massive challenge. Racing a thoroughbred on Knavesmire in front of thousands of people will be a once- in-a-lifetime experience for all of them, something which will take months of training to fully prepare for. However, they’re all very enthusiastic about the race and fundraising for Macmillan. The money they raise will help fund Macmillan services, which are there to help make sure no one faces cancer alone.”

Mother-of-two Leanne Humphries, 42, is among this year’s riders. She said: “I’m raising money for Macmillan as My sister, Paula, died of ovarian cancer at the age of 33 and Macmillan nurses cared for my Nan. It has been a lifelong dream to ride a race and especially at York. Living only minutes away from the course in Dringhouses, Knavesmire has been a big part of my life growing up.”

The course has happy memories for Leanne as she spent her wedding day there watching racing shortly after tying the knot with husband Shaun at York Register Office.

Riders in the charity race will be hoping to better the figure raised by the class of 2014, who brought in more than £90,000 towards the grand total.

The youngest rider is 19-year-old Emily Easterby, daughter of Malton trainer Tim Easterby.

She said: “I work in a racing and point-to-point yard, but riding in a race at York will be very different and a challenge I can’t wait to take on. I have always wanted to ride on Knavesmire, so to be able to do it and raise money for Macmillan is such an exciting opportunity. I know the work Macmillan do is so vital, so I want to raise as much money as possible.”

For Macmillan Charity Raceday tickets visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk

 

Emily Easterby, 19, from near Malton: "I would like to ride in this race because I know from a close family friend who suffered from cancer the fantastic work this charity and it's nurses do for the cancer suffrerers but also providing support for their family, which is also vital. I am really looking forwards to raising money for such a special charity, knowing that the money I raise will be used to help the people in need." 

 

Jonathan Gill, 61, from Allerston near Pickering: "I have been a racehorse owner for 25 years during which time I have enjoyed great success, most notably at Royal Ascot with "Fayr Jag". As I am now 61 years old but still very fit, I feel it's a perfect time to fulfil my dream of riding in a race at York, more so as I would have this chance to ride a horse that I bred and own called "relight my fire". I lost a very close uncle to postage cancer some 5 years ago and would like to dedicate this to him."  

 

Kirstie Hargreave, 49, from Alnwick: "Simply because I have recently recovered from cancer myself having had a year of treatment. I would like to give something back to Macmillan as a thank you to them."

 

Leanne Humphries, 52, from near Doncaster: "I would love to raise money for Macmillan as my sister died of ovarian cancer of the age 33 and the nurses cared for my Nan. My dad is a driver for the charity 'York against cancer'. It would be a life long dream to race a ride and especially York. Living only minutes away from the course in Dringhouses the Knavesmire has been a big part of my life growing up. I've always been horse mad but it's only in later in life I've got involved. I love having horses in training and we've had horses with DCG racing for four years. 


Lizzie Pinney, 53, from Worcestershire: "Macmillan cancer support provides practical, emotional and financial support for people and their families during the very worth and most scary time of their lives. We all know someone who has been helped by Macmillan, it is a fantastic organisation. 98 % of Macmillan income comes from fundraising. We all have a duty to help others and fundraise. I would love to fundraise by taking part in the in Macmillan charity race. Hunting is my passion and I have ridden many horses but I have never competed in a race at a leading racecourse on a 'proper race horse' and would love to do so. I am competitive and will love the challenge of preparing for the race with a team of other people, and winning it! 


Lorna Harrison, 38, from Slipho near Scarborough: "I have spent the last three years wishing I could be part of the Macmillan charity race at York, but have not felt ir proper to apply until now. After an injury induced break from competitive riding followed by motherhood. I am now thrilled to find myself back in the thick of my first love, horse racing.

"Being from a Yorkshire farming family and enjoying a range of racing related and winder PR roles, I believe that I am now well places to combine my racing experience and my wider contacts for the benefit of a charity which touches so many of our lives. The chance to ride in the Macmillan charirty race presents me with a unique opportunity to make the most of my skills and connections for the benefit of a cause which I truly support. I understand that the principle purpose of the race is to raise much needed funds for Macmillan and I would approach the fundraising task with the same competitive spirit as I have when it comes to race riding. It would be a privilege to be assoicated with the Macmillan race and to have a chance of riding at York."

 

Max Pimlott, 23, from Scrayingham: "Riding in a race has always been a lifetime ambition and getting the opportunity to ride at my local course would be a dream come true. My father was a successful jump jockey and my brother rides as an amateur therefore I'd love to follow in their footsteps on the racecourse.

I have not ridden properly for a few years now due mainly to work and it is something I really want to get back in to as I believe the time is right. Raising money for Macmillan is also obviously a major part of wanting to take part in the race as I have already lost family and friends who have suffered from cancer. The work that Macmillan do to fight the disease is incredible and I would love to be able to offer my help and support by raising a large sum of money for them."

 

Michelle Hayward, 38, from Ashbury, Swindon: "Nothing quite shakes you to the core than the bombshell of being told "I'm afraid it's cancer".

"That was what I found myself hearing almost a year ago to the day. A cervical cancer diagnosis, resulting in massive surgery in January 2014, was to say the least, an unexpected and devasting blow.

"Cancer, you think, is something that happens to other people, but sadly of course, that increasingly just isnt the case. The Macmillan nurses and support lines have been a great source of advice and reassurance to me. It is a comfort to know they are there to be called on at any time. The Macmillan charity raceday 2015 would be my chance to put a but back. Having ridden all my life and previously competed in several charity races, the challenge of riding again competitively will not only be a huge tonic, but will give me the motivation I need to get back to my pre-op fitness levels of when I used to ride out daily, at the same time as being able to raise as much money as possible for this extremely worthwhile charity."

 

Robert Bracken, 56, from Verwood, Dorset: "Macmillan cancer support is nationally synonmous with highest level of care for those affected by cancer, patients and families alike. My mother was tenderly nursed throughout her final days by Macmillan nurses and for me and my family. That wonderful level of care was very comforting at a difficult time. My father in law is currently receiving the same amazing level of care whilst he's unwell."

 

Sara Fleck, 27, from Masham: "We very sadly lost my beautiful cousin Natalie to cancer just before Christmas last year. The chance to combine my love of racing with an opportunity to raise a huge amount of money for one of Britain's most successful cancer charities is unmissable. 

 

Sarah Huntridge, 35, from Markington near Harrogate: "In 2012 Macmillan nurses supported Laura Fry, a former Olympic dressage rider, coach and judge. Laura sadly passed away in 2012 due to breast cancer which spread into her body. In honour of Laura and all those who have dealt with this disease I would be grateful of this opportunity to raise the profile of Macmillan." 

 

Susan Mason, 53, from Kirby Grindalythe near Malton: "Macmillan cancer support is such a fantastic and worthy cause, as most know someone who has being touched by cancer. As noted from last year, the race sponsorship was a very large contribution factor to the charity, and I would like to be part of this.

"I love a challenge, but I'm not sure which will be the hardest; getting fit, loosing the weight or raising the money but will give all a go. I have owned a winner at York, with Wiganthorpe in the Gimcrack stakes in 1986 and to ride in the race and raise the money for a great cause would be an ever greater achievement."