When the team at Epsom Downs started an appeal for the late Caroline Beaumont, I just had to do something "out of the ordinary" to raise money in her memory as she was anything but ordinary, in fact she was quite extraordinary.  I was privileged to work with her for three years, particularly during the annual Investec Derby Festival, and honoured to call her a friend. 

Caroline tragically lost her battle against eye cancer (which had metastasized into the liver) last November. She chose to hide her illness, not only from her friends and colleagues, but also from her family as that was Caroline's way - she didn't want anyone treating her any differently whilst she was fighting this terrible disease. Caroline was passionate about horses (especially her beloved pony Blossom) and when she rode in the charity race at Epsom in 2012 nobody knew she was already partially blind - she was simply a very brave and vivacious young woman who will long be remembered.

Therefore, on Tuesday 26th August, in celebration of Caroline's all too short life, for "ONE RACE ONLY" I picked up the Chairman's binoculars, headed up to the roof of the Queen's Stand and took my place in the commentary box.

Horse-racing commentary may sound easy when you're out enjoying a day's racing on course or watching the TV, listening to those wonderful professionals.  Believe you me, there's far more to it than meets the eye!  Richard Hoiles and Simon Holt both let me invade their commentary boxes at Epsom and Mike Cattermole gave me invaluable help, so thank you to all of them for their support!  I also received tremendous encouragement via e-mail from Lee McKenzie and only hope that those who heard thought that I did myself (and Caroline) justice on the day - it was somewhat nerve-wracking, especially being interviewed by Nick Luck on Racing UK beforehand!

"Caroline's Vision for Cancer" is an appeal set up in conjunction with Barts to raise £100,000 to fund an innovative research project into eye cancer and why it is so resistant to chemotherapy. For those of you who knew Caroline, I know that you'll want to support this wonderful cause in her memory, and for those of you who didn't, but do know me, I hope you will make a donation, however big or small, to make my mad-cap challenge really worth while and help beat cancer once and for all!

Thank you so very much!

Gayle x