Reading West MP places charity bet on Grand National, donation made to bereavement charity Daisy's Dream

A donation has been made to a Berkshire-based bereavement charity after a local MP placed a charity bet on this year’s Grand National.

Reading West MP Alok Sharma was invited to the Coral branch in Theale by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) to place a £50 charity bet on the year’s most important horse race.

Although the horse Mr Sharma backed did not win, the BGC decided to make a £250 donation to his nominated charity, Daisy’s Dream.

Mr Sharma said: “The Grand National is one of those great sporting moments when the whole nation comes together. I was delighted to visit the Coral branch on Theale High Street in April to meet the staff and customers.”

The Conservative MP was lucky enough to win the charity bet two years running in 2018 and 2019 after backing two-time champion Tiger Roll.

He said: “Sadly, I did not win this year, but I am very grateful to the BGC for their pledge to donate £250 to local charity Daisy’s Dream on my behalf. The charity undertakes important work to support children and families during difficult times.”

Daisy’s Dream provides a professional support service to children and families affected by life-threatening illness or bereavement.

Originally set up to meet the needs of children who had been bereaved, over recent years the charity have expanded their service to encompass families where there has been a serious illness diagnosis.

Jo Stewart, community fundraising officer at Daisy’s Dream, said: “On behalf of Daisy’s Dream I would like to say a huge thank you to Alok Sharma MP, as well as the Betting and Gaming Council members.

“This kind donation will be used directly to support children and young people who have faced or are facing the death of someone they love.”