8 Feb 2020
SJ BARKER AND THE MACMILLAN CHARITY RACE AT YORK
Read all about the challenges ahead and how to support SJ
SJ BARKER TO RIDE IN THE MACMILLAN CHARITY RACE AT YORK
I am SJ Barker and on 13th June 2020, I will be undertaking the daunting but exhilarating challenge of racing 1 mile and 1 furlong around York Racecourse in front of a 20,000+ crowd. I grew up riding ponies and horses in eventing, show-jumping and dressage, but riding a thoroughbred at high speed is an altogether different matter! For the last few years, I have helped Tim at the yearling sales but this is a whole new ball game!
The long-lasting partnership between York Racecourse and Macmillan Cancer Support remains the biggest single fundraising event for Macmillan Cancer Support, which has now raised close to £9 million since its inception to 1971.
The Challenge Ahead
I have set a personal target of £15,000, which is a daunting task as I write this in mid January. My training schedule has begun; I started riding out at Great Habton on 7th January and will be there for the next five months.
Before I get to raceday, I will also need to pass fitness and riding tests at the Northern Racing College. So, as well as riding out three days a week, I will be pounding the roads around Westow and getting myself fit in the gym at Jack Berry House.
How you can help?
Cancer affects everyone and I will be riding in memory of my cousin and godfather Caley, and close family friend Colin, both of whom were taken too young by cancer in the last few years.
Over the next 5 months, I will be organising quizzes, drinks, parties, nearly new sales, lunches and anything else I can think of to hit the target. Sarah and I are also running a Clay Pigeon Shoot on Sunday 24th May which should be great fun! I think my husband and two young children (Henry 7, and Eliza 5) are thinking it’s going to be a busy 5 months!
I am also writing a blog here https://scarborough.mumbler.co.uk/2020-macmillan-charity-race-at-york-races/
Thank you
SJ BARKER
Link below to SJ's justgiving page:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sarah-jane-barker2
