Newbury hero to launch poppy appeal
Marine Mark Jackson will be guest of honour at the 90th Berkshire Poppy Appeal
A NEWBURY marine who was awarded the Gallantry Medal will lead the 90th Berkshire Poppy Appeal celebrations at Newbury Racecourse this autumn.
Marine Mark Jackson of Wash Common, will be guest of honour at the event after he received the award, second only to the Victoria Cross, for diving on a comrade to protect him from a blast from a grenade whilst serving in Afghanistan in August last year.
Our sister paper, The Newbury Weekly News exclusively revealed that Signaller Marine Jackson was awarded the medal, the highest-ranking of 136 Operational Honours, back in March
The launch, which will be held at the racecourse at the Worthington's Armed Forces Raceday on October 22, will bring down the curtain on the racecourse's flat season.
There will be a total of seven races, including two Group 3 contests, on the day and jockeys will be showing their support for the appeal by wearing poppy appeal armbands.
Lieutenant Paul Chishick, spokesman for the Household Cavalry Regiment of the Combermere Barracks, Windsor, who will be involved in appeal said: “We are delighted to show our support for the Worthington's Armed Forces Raceday at Newbury Racecourse in October. The lads from the regiment are hoping to come to the raceday and enjoy some great sporting action whilst helping to raise funds for the RBL Berkshire Poppy Appeal”.
Before the racing starts The Royal Navy Raiders' Parachute Freefall Display Team will be dropping onto the racecourse.
Joint managing director of Newbury Racecourse, Stephen Higgins said: “We are delighted to be supporting the Royal British Legion on such a significant anniversary milestone for the Poppy Appeal, as well as recognising the amazing work of our armed forces. We are also very grateful to our new sponsor Worthington's and combined with their support we hope that this year's Armed Forces Raceday will be our biggest yet”.
Visitors will also be able get a feel for life in the Royal Navy, the Army and Royal Air Force from the various activity stands as well as the military vehicle, weapon and aircraft displays. Other activities include an inflatable army assault course, laser and paintball range and a climbing wall, with the day culminating with a traditional after racing sing along.
Francesca Yates, Royal British Legion community fundraiser for Berkshire, said; "Last year this event was the start of our record breaking Poppy Appeal in Berkshire, helping us to raise £860,000 across the county. We hope to build on this figure this year, our 90th Anniversary Year."
Military personnel and Royal British Legion members will get free entry into the premier enclosure to this fixture. An exclusive discount is also available for these groups in either of the racecourse's two panoramic restaurants, The Racegoers and the Hennessy Restaurant, as well as private boxes.
For more details and tickets call 01635 40015
