Rhona Elliott MBE
Rhona Elliott MBE
Horse lover Rhona set up MS Borders Racing Club in 2004 to raise awareness of MS and funds for various charities, including the Anne Rowling Clinic.
Method of fundraising
Charity Walk to St Cuthbert’s CaveWhy did you decide to fundraise?
I have had MS for over twenty-five years. I used to successfully train racehorses and point-to-pointers. After my diagnosis, and having to retire from training, I decided to set up a fun and friendly racing syndicate. The initial aim was also raising awareness and much-needed funds for the MS Society Borders branch and the Injured Jockeys Fund. Our horses' race in the MS Borders Racing Club colours - they are often seen on TV and are well known on the racing syndicate. In my experience, I’ve found, racecourses are quite accessible to wheelchair users, so it seemed like a good fit.
How did you raise the money?
I organised a Charity Walk from Rose Dobbin’s training yard at South Hazelrigg near Alnwick to St. Cuthbert’s Cave near the coast. There were varying distances available and a bus to ferry back and forth for those who needed it. Rose also very kindly hosted us and gave everyone a guided tour of her fabulous training facility, including watching a horse being swum in her fantastic horse pool with solarium. Geoff and Carole Allan from Wooler, who run a very successful catering van business, very kindly donated fish and chips as well as much-needed cups of tea and coffee for all walkers and helpers on the day, which was greatly appreciated. The weather was very kind to us and everyone had a great time.
Fundraising wisdom:
Just do it! You can make a huge difference to people’s lives with a little bit of organisation and goodwill.
