Fans of the Randox Health Grand National have been asked to donate what they would have wagered to NHS Charities Together.
The Grand National is usually a keenly anticipated event in the sporting calendar for many in the UK, but this year the race was cancelled and only completed virtually due to the lockdown amid the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic.
The Jockey Club, the largest commercial horse racing organisation in the UK, launched a campaign, ‘My Stake For Their Sake’, encouraging millions of Grand National fans to donate their ‘stake’ to help raise vital funds for the NHS.
People are encouraged to donate to the appeal through Virgin Money Giving, and to invite others to also donate and share on social media. The campaign was organised in partnership with Inspired Entertainment and Carm Productions, the organisers of the Virtual Grand National on Saturday.
Dickon White, Regional Director of Jockey Club Racecourses North West said;
“We’re delighted to come together to help to raise crucial funds for the NHS by encouraging Randox Health Grand National fans to donate their usual bet to NHS Charities Together. Our amazing NHS staff and volunteers are working tirelessly to care for COVID-19 patients and we want to do our bit to show our gratitude and let them to know that racing is behind them. We’re obviously extremely disappointed to have to cancel the Randox Health Grand National this year, but we can all get behind this cause much the same as people get behind the National each year.”
The NHS Charities Together Urgent Appeal has been put together in liaison with NHS England, national bodies, NHS charities and national giving platforms. Ellie Orton, CEO of NHS Charities Together said;
“We’re thrilled that The Jockey Club, Carm Productions and Inspired Entertainment have grouped together to support the NHS. We’re living in an unprecedented time where people coming together like this makes a huge difference. We’re so proud and in awe of NHS staff and volunteers as they work tirelessly to save lives and we want to ensure their wellbeing is paramount too. Let’s hope we can raise as many funds as possible to ensure we can support NHS staff and volunteers who are putting themselves on the line every day for us all.”
The appeal on Virgin Money Giving, which has been raising money during the COVID-19 pandemic, has so far raised over £18 million.
To donate to the appeal, click here.
Photo Credit: Paul via Flickr under licence (CC BY 2.0)
