I'm excited and terrified in equal measure to be taking part in the Macmillan Ride of their Lives at York Racecourse on 15th June for Macmillan Cancer Support.
As a child I grew up clinging onto the neck of any pony I could get my hands on but stopped riding at the age of 16. Looking from the outside into the world of racing, I've always thought jockeys and work riders had the best job going getting to ride everyday (having had my first fall already I'm reconsidering this).
I'm taking part in this amazing challenge as not only an opportunity to get back in the saddle, but most importantly to fundraise for Macmillan Cancer Support who do incredible work supporting those fighting cancer and their families. I know we all have someone in mind when we think of Macmillan, and the life-changing work their do, so it's a charity I'm proud to support.
The training has been very tough so far, tougher than I expected. But I've had so much support and encouragement from everyone - including Olly Murphy and his team where I've been riding out - who have answered every stupid question I have, given me lots of advice and welcomed me into the pack, and Dom Elsworth, who makes sure I wobble out my jockey lessons each week on jelly legs and ensuring I don't go the wrong way round the track in June.
Macmillan Charity Raceday is a fundraising collaboration between York Racecourse and Macmillan Cancer Support. The day of professional racing and fundraising has been held annually since 1971, raising more than £7 million in total for Macmillan and other charitable causes. For the last two years the weekend has raised a grand total of £500,000. This year, we hope to raise even more as the demand for our services continues to grow.
