Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I am a 39 year old mother of two boys, Charles and Patrick, and am married to Chris.  My equine story started aged 3 on Jenny - the family donkey.  I progressed through Staintondale Pony Club (fortunately not on the donkey!) and was a member of the Yorkshire Mounted Games Association Team.  As a strong-willed 16 year old with a dream of becoming a jockey, my journey took me to Jeannie and her late husband Howard Brown's Point to Point yard.  They gave me my first ride on the notorious 'Smart Performer'.  He refused at the open ditch!

Racing took me to numerous yards including Sue Bramall (for whom I led Antonin up in the 1996 Grand National), Linda Ramsden, Tony Lamb, Jill Dawson and John Quinn.

It took me until I was 20 to ride my first Point to Point winner on Joanna Newitt's 'Dark Dawn' and in that season I was fortunate to become the Yorkshire Area Novice Ladies' Champion.  Dark Dawn also gave me my chance to ride in a couple of Hunter Chases.  He was a very special horse.  Following an injury, I retired from competitive race-riding but it is where my heart remained.

Now back on the family farm just outside Scarborough (with a collection of racing's (equine) waifs & strays, I juggle family life with various PR roles including co-ordinating the Winning Connections Room at Beverley Racecourse, being on the Pink Lady Team at York Racecourse and assisting with viewings for York based Estate Agent, Blenkin & Co.

I am delighted to have the opportunity to combine my passion for horse-racing with the chance to raise much needed funds for Macmillan Cancer Support; a charity which needs no introduction, touches so many of our lives and deserves all the support we can give.  Like so many I support Macmillan's invaluable work on a personal level.

My thanks go to Macmillan and York Racecourse for giving me the opportunity to live the dream of riding on the famous Knavesmire.  I am especially grateful to Team Brian Ellison for taking me under their wing after a break of 15 years from a racing saddle.  Last but by no means least I would like to thank you for taking the time to visit my page, read my story and, if you are able, for your donation.

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