Spacehopper jockeys jump for IRHH
Children and adults jumped at the chance to join a Spacehopper Derby put on by two keen horse riders to raise funds for IRHH.
The indoor arena at Manor Farm riding stables in Marsworth, near Tring, was decorated for a fun afternoon of races and musical sacks, organised by friends Bella Tschaikowsky, who trains at the stables, and Kathryn White. The finale was a mock up of the Grand National with two groups competing against each other round a course of small fences.
The event raised more than £100, with £80 being donated to IRHH, a charity close to the hearts of both friends. Kathryn explained: 'We have both appreciated the care and expertise of the Iain Rennie nursing team, having lost loved ones to cancer. We were keen to give something back as a thank you and the Spacehopper Derby was a fun way to do it.'
Kathryn's husband Ian died of a brain tumour in April 2008. 'He was only 41 and I found myself widowed at 37,' said Kathryn. 'While Ian was ill we moved out of the area for a while to be with his parents, but the Iain Rennie nurse still kept in touch by phone to ensure we had support. Bella lost her father to cancer in 2005, and Iain Rennie were there for her mother and family, too.'
Kathryn, who lives in Wigginton, said her experience of hospice organisations that cared for Ian had been an 'eye-opener' for her. 'I have made it my mission to continue raising funds for hospices and for research into brain tumours in Ian's memory.'
15th January 2010
