Fundraise Your Way

Rhona Elliot

Horse lover Rhona set-up MS Borders Racing Club in 2004 to raise awareness of MS and funds for various charities.

Name Rhona Elliot MBE
Cause fundraised for

Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic                                    

Method of fundraising Sponsored walk and stable tour
Racehorse

Why did you decide to fundraise for your chosen cause?

I have had MS (multiple sclerosis) for over twenty-five years. I set-up MS Borders Racing Club in 2004.

Previously, I enjoyed a successful career in training both racehorses and point to pointers. After my diagnosis - and having to retire from training - I decided to set up a fun and friendly racing syndicate. Because of my experience, and as racecourses are quite accessible to wheelchair users, it seemed like a good fit!

My initial aim of was raising awareness and funds for the MS Society Borders branch and the Injured Jockeys Fund. Our horses’ race in the MS colours – they are often seen on the TV and are well known on the racing syndicate.

How did you raise money?

I organised a Charity Walk from Rose Dobbin’s training yard, at South Hazelrigg near Alnwick, to St. Cuthbert’s Cave near the coast. To make it accessible, there were varying distances to choose from and a bus to ferry participants who needed it back and forth!

Rose also very kindly hosted us all and gave everyone a guided tour of her fabulous training facility including watching a horse being swum in her fantastic horse pool with solarium. Geoff and Carole Allan from Wooler, who run a very successful catering van business, very kindly donated fish and chips, and much needed cups of tea and coffee, for all walkers and helpers on the day which was greatly appreciated. The weather was very kind to us and everyone had a great time!

Fundraising wisdom

Just do it! You can make a huge difference to people’s lives with a little bit of organisation and goodwill.

Useful Links

Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic

MS Borders Racing Club Facebook page (external link)