People are being asked to support the second Susan Baker Memorial Ride as it takes place this Sunday (28th August 2022).
The fundraising event starts from Foxwood Stables in Banks at noon before heading through Banks Village, and then into Southport through Crossens, Churchtown, Roe Lane, Manchester Road, Lord Street, Promenade, Lord Street, Roe Lane, Churchtown, Crossens, and back to the stables.
Riders hope to reach the Plough roundabout at about 12.30pm-12.45pm, and Botanic Gardens / Churchtown at 1pm-1.15pm. The ride will then travel along Mill Lane and will arrive at Roe Lane between 1.15pm and 1.30pm.
Participants will then go past The Mount pub at about 1.35pm and travel onto Lord Street at about 1.35pm-1.45pm. The riders will then go the full length of Lord Street turning round at Duke Street roundabout, and pulling into Garrick Parade at 1.50pm-2pm. They will turn left onto Kingsway and right onto the Promenade at 2.10pm / 2.20pm. The riders will go back onto Lord Street from Nevill Street at about 2.25pm.
Up to 30 horse riders will be taking part in the event, supported by volunteers who will be carrying collection buckets for people to drop in donations along the way.
The ride is being held in memory of passionate horse rider Susan Baker, and has been organised by her daughter, Amanda Fox, who described her Mum as “my rock, my inspiration, my mentor, my Mum”.
Last year’s ride raised £5,000 for Queenscourt Hospice, which cares for around 2,000 local families every year in West Lancashire, Southport and Formby.
This year will see money raised going towards Cash for Kids and the North West Air Ambulance.
Susan Baker died on Mother’s Day 2018 aged 71 from Multiple Sclerosis.
Her daughter Amanda said that “My mum was one of the lucky ones, who received outstanding care from Queenscourt for her last days. Many people don’t get this opportunity, as palliative care in this country is not available to us all.”
Speaking of this weekend’s ride, she said: “The Susan Baker Memorial Ride takes place on Sunday 28th August and is in memory of my Mum.
“She was a lifelong horse rider and very respected in the horse community
“Our inaugural ride was last year and we raised over £5,000 for Queenscourt Hospice as they cared for her.
“We now want to build on that success and this year our chosen charities are Cash for Kids and North West Air Ambulance
“The ride will leave Banks at noon and go through Crossens, Churchtown, Lord Street, Promenade, Nevill Street and back on to Lord Street retracing our steps to the stables in Banks.
“We have a ground crew carrying collection buckets for donations along the way.
“We feel support from the town will aid our collection and possibly boost their business for that day.”
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