Pickering men team up to help farmer's charity appeal
A Thornton Le Dale father and son and a Pickering businessman have teamed up to offer a money can't buy opportunity to raise funds for a Pickering farmer's £25,000 Macmillan Cancer Support appeal.
Lifelong Leeds United supporters Paul and Jack Riley had the idea of organising a signed football shirt to raise money for family friend and Cedarbarn owner Karl Avison's Ride of Their Lives appeal. Fellow LUFC supporter Bob Batty then offered two corporate hospitality tickets to the Bremner suite in the West Stand for any fixture in the 2024/25 season that could see Leeds return to the Premier League.
"All you have to do ise-mailKarlAvison@icloud.comwith a commitment to bid as much as possible (minimum £500) before the end of the Leeds v Blackburn match on Saturday, April 13th. The winning bid will be the highest timed offer,and Karl will make the final decision. The funds will be transferred to Karl's Just Giving account, and the lucky winners will be able to select a game of their choice directly from me and my son Sam, who are long-standing Bremner suite season ticket holders," said Mr Batty.
The generous offer from both families is the latest in a series of gestures from the local community, which is behind Mr Avison's second attempt at the challenging Ride of Their Lives. Local businesses have sponsored events, Norton racehorse trainer Brian Ellison is loaning him a horse, and the Douglas family has opened up their AD plant to raise funds for their farming neighbour.
Mr Avison said: "We're humbled and grateful for all the support we have received. From neighbours, local businesses, people attending events and donating to our book exchange, we have been blown away by the levels of generosity."
The race takes place at York Races on the 15thJune and Mr Avison will make history as the only jockey in the 52 year old race to compete for a second time.
Mr Avison is one of 12 amateur riders who will compete in the nine-furlong race around the iconic Knavesmire course, the first race of the Macmillan Charity Raceday, which has raised over £10 million since its start in 1971. He has been riding out with Mr Ellison and doing strength and conditioning work and jockey training at Jack Berry House in Malton.
Cedarbarn Farm Shop and Café began as a small PYO strawberries operation from acaravan 27 years ago andnow is a thriving farm shop and café.
York Racecourse and Macmillan Cancer Support continue to work in partnership to present the biggest charity raceday in the UK and raise vital funds for people living with cancer.
Photos:
- Karl Avison with the signed Leeds United shirt Karl Avison with the signed Leeds United top
For more information or to arrange an interview withKarl Avison,please contact Tracey Baty at three60 marketing on:
Direct line:01430 871360
Mobile:07971 961574
E mail:traceybaty@three60marketing.co.uk
Notes to editors