Pickering farmer and business owner raises over £40,000 for Macmillan
A Pickering farmer and farm shop owner who made history by competing in the Ride of Their Lives challenge for a second time has raised £40,133 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
On 15thJune, Karl Avison, 61, from the Cedarbarn Farm Shop and Café, took part in the Macmillan Charity Race Day at York Racecourse after six months of intense training and riding out, during which he lost three stone.
He said: "I was inspired to ride in the race for a second time following my recovery from prostate cancer last year. I wanted to raise money to help people living with cancer. The training has been hard, but the team at Jack Berry House helped with my fitness, and the team at Brian Ellison's yard was very supportive. I have been overwhelmed by the incredible level of support from friends, colleagues and local businesses, and I am proud to have smashed my initial fundraising target of £25,000."
Mr Avison was one of a team of 12 amateur jockeys who collectively raised £224,000 by competing in the biggest race day charity fundraiser in the UK. The race was won by 19-year-old event rider Louis Pern from Helmsley, and the funds will go towards a new ‘gold standard' Cancer Support Centre at York Hospital. For being the jockey who raised the most money, Mr Avison was presented with a print by celebrated racehorse artist David ‘Mouse' Cooper.
Mr Avison and the Cedarbarn team raised the money through a combination of fundraising events and generous donations from local people and groups.
York Racecourse and Macmillan Cancer Support continue to work in partnership to raise vital funds for people living with cancer.
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PhotoKarl and Mandy Avison with the print by David ‘Mouse' Cooper Karl and Mandy Avison
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
Email:traceybaty@three60marketing.co.uk
Notes to editors
1. For more information about Cedarbarn Farm Shop and Cafe, please visithttps://www.cedarbarnfarmshop.co.uk/
2. For more information aboutMacmillan Charity Race Day,please visithttps://www.justgiving.com/campaign/rideoftheirlives2024