The organiser of a fundraising horse riding event in memory of her much-loved Mum has thanked the “relentless work” of all her supporters for making it all possible.
Amanda Fox was delighted with the huge success of the second Susan Baker Memorial Ride on Sunday (28th August 2022), which began at the Foxwood Stables in Banks before trotting into Southport town centre and then back out to Banks again.
The first ride last year raised £5,000 for Queenscourt Hospice, where Susan Baker received superb end of life care from the team at the facility on Town Lane in Southport.
This year’s event will see funds raised divided between Cash for Kids and the North West Air Ambulance.
So far, the collection buckets on the day collected £1,150, but the final total won’t be known for another two or three weeks.
Amanda Fox said: “It’s hard to know where to start – what a day it was!
“I looked back several times and to see everyone following, I was so proud.
“The ride takes some putting together and without the relentless work from a lot of people we couldn’t do it.
“A huge thank you to everyone who who put their heart and soul into it,
“The ground crew on Sunday were fantastic – it was a long way at a quick pace! You were amazing, thank you.
“Thank you to all our riders, each and every one of you. Your ponies looked amazing and we were so proud to ride with you.
“I would like to thank our drivers who worked up front stopping traffic and behind pulling the trailers.
“All the young girls on the ride, plus our two young men, you were fantastic.
“The ladies who couldn’t join us on Sunday but have worked so hard advertising and putting out posters.
“I am very grateful for our photographer who ran miles to get some amazing pictures.
“Sponsors have backed us in so many ways.
“My team back home as normal did a top jo,b each and every one of our horses looked amazing.
“Finally my family without the backing and support from you I couldn’t do any of this. I know for sure my Mum Susan Baker would have been so proud of each and every one of you, thank you so much and see you all again next year.”
The fundraising event started 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.
Up to 30 horse riders took part in the event, supported by volunteers who carried collection buckets for people to drop in donations along the way.
The ride was held in memory of passionate horse rider Susan Baker, and was 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 saw 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.
“My Mum was a lifelong horse rider and very respected in the horse community.”
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