Saffron's Black Tie Dinner and Fundraising Auction

On Wednesday, June 25th we will be hosting a Pony Club dinner and an auction at Cheltenham Racecourse in support of Saffron Creswell.  A young and talented event rider who tragically suffered a life changing accident in June last year leaving her Paralysed from the chest down. Last October all the DCs in Area 9 supported raising money for Saffron.

Many of you will be familiar with Saffron, from her time as an active and dedicated member of Ledbury Pony Club, where she achieved her A test, excelled as a triathlete and was a strong team competitor in numerous disciplines. More recently, she has inspired your children as she taught them with inimitable energy at rallies and camps. At just 23 years old, Saffron was dealt a devastating blow after a fall at Bramham Horse Trials and was paralysed from the chest down. After four months in hospital, Saffron is now rebuilding her life with formidable determination as she navigates a very different life in a wheelchair.

Saffron is determined to forge a career in the sports field, albeit not in her dream of top-level Eventing. She plans to take a media course and undergo media training to equip her to become a TV presenter, she already has the support from some great names in the industry.

Our fund-raising dinner and auction on June 25th is unashamedly ambitious. We want to raise a large amount to help Saffron forge a new career, rather than relying on charity, and benefits. We have the national Pony Club backing. The racecourse has donated the room. GB World Performance Dickie Waygood will be attending and giving one of his witty after-dinner speeches. And generous sponsors and many famous names have already pledged exceptional money-can’t-buy lots from spoiling treats, Champagne houses to luxury holidays, Royal couture to lessons with top event riders.

We are asking you to join your fellow Area 9 branches in reaching out to your members to take a table and donate a spectacularly creative auction lot or a covetable item for the raffle. This could be anything from a day’s shooting or fishing to automotive experiences, event tickets or equine services. The sky really is the limit.

For a young woman with her whole life ahead of her, Saffron’s contribution to Pony Club and the equestrian world has been exemplary, and we are determined to help her rebuild her life. We must remember, ours is a dangerous sport and falls happen – we all just pray it will never happen to our children. This is our way of giving back to our sport, and we hope we can count on your support for what will be a glittering night at the home of jump racing.

Details:

Date: Wednesday, June 25 – 7pm

Venue: Cheltenham Racecourse

Tickets: £85 to include a three-course dinner and a drink on arrival

Tables of 10: £850