IT’S hats-off to business woman Kate Barrett who is counting up her charity help from a racing-inspired fundraiser.
Ms Barrett, 42, has spent the last 12 months touring racecourses across the country to raise funds for two charities close to her heart.
They include the Dalton-based Kirkwood Hospice.
The freelance finance director from Batley started her challenge last January and has clocked up plenty of miles travelling to 31 racecourses.
Kate, who owns her own racehorse Yourelikemefrank, said she loved all the meetings but preferred the older courses the best.
She said: “I really liked Kelso on the border of Scotland. It was more traditional and had a really quaint feel to it. The bigger courses have had a lot of money poured into them and have newer stands.”
And a midway point in her trek saw her attend Royal Ascot Ladies Day.
But with the British weather being what it is – the wettest year on record – she experienced many soggy days and a meeting at Newton Abbot was nearly abandoned at the last minute due to water-logging.
Ms Barrett has raised more than £9,000 collecting at all the events, which will now be split between Kirkwood Hospice and HEROS (Homing Ex-Racehorses Organisation Scheme).
The money for Kirkwood Hospice will go towards the £3m Capital Appeal to transform the facilities at the current site in Dalton.
She added: “I have visited Kirkwood Hospice and they are going through such a massive change with their Capital Appeal. It was great timing for them and for me.
“As well as raising money I was also raising the profile of the charity outside the area.”
And her fundraising efforts combined her passion for racing, so she enjoyed a trip to the HEROS base near Newbury to see where some of the money she raised will be spent.
“They do a fantastic job with retired racehorses who are rehabilitated and can go on to be eventers or show jumpers or just a good hack,” she said.
To sponsor Kate’s efforts go to www.justgiving.com/kirkwoodracecoursechallenge
