More than £20k raised at Mencap race day

The event sold out weeks in advance and welcomed 200 seated guests, with three races sponsored on behalf of the charity.
Many well known faces and stalwart supporters such as Charles Lucas and Marshall, James Cowper, Regent Lettings, L-Interiors, RR Elite and representatives of West Berkshire Mencap, were in attendance.
Guests enjoyed a welcoming glass of bubbly and mingled with VIP guests including BBC Breakfast anchor man, Bill Turnbull, Author, and Felix Francis, the son of British steeplechase jockey and crime writer Dick Francis.
The first fundraising event saw an icebreaking game of ‘heads and tails’, followed by lunch, a raffle, an auction and the racing.
The charity is hoping the event has raised even more money than it has in the past – with all funds going towards expanding and improving the activities run by the charity for children and adults with learning disabilities.
CEO of West Berkshire Mencap, Leila Ferguson, said: “Our Corporate Race-day is one of our major fundraisers of the year and we are all extremely grateful for the tremendous support that businesses give us. However, this year our fabulous friends have surpassed themselves.
“We had some new businesses joining in the fun this year, even more races than usual sponsored on our behalf, and some brilliant prizes in the raffle and auctions.”
A range of prizes were on offer at the auction, including afternoon tea at the Vineyard at Stockcross and a ‘beer for a day’ from Arkells Brewery.
Felix Francis also offered the charity 120 copies of his book ‘Refusal’, which he personalised for a little extra donation.