A FUNDRAISING family from Evesham are celebrating after their brave daughter received an award at the AGM of a major local charity.
Cotswold Riding for the Disabled (RDA) held its annual general meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse last Thursday.
During the ceremony, Bethan Edwards of Celadine Way, Evesham, was named as the Most Improved Senior Rider of the Year – a fantastic feat for a woman with half-a-heart and learning difficulties.
Bethan’s mum Mandy said: “”We are so proud of Beth and her achievements.
“She tried her best in education with some success. However, her horse-handling skills developed at the riding school have been amazing.”
For the past 20 years, the family has raised funds for Birmingham Children’s Hospital (BCH) where Beth – as a newborn in 2004 – received life-saving heart surgery.
In recent years, donations have been split between BCH and Cheltenham-based Cotswold Riding for the Disabled, where Beth rides and does work experience.
Mandy added: “Her experience with the horses, supported by the dedicated staff and volunteers at the RDA have enriched her life over the last 10 years.”
She added, last year, they donated £4,000 to the two charities, largely from their annual Charity Craft Fair which is happening again this month.
Christmas Craft and Gift Fair
Mandy and her army of volunteers will host the Christmas Charity Craft and Gift Fair at Leedons Park, Childswickham, from 10am to 3pm next Saturday, November 15.
Numerous crafty people will display their wares and creations, providing plenty of ideas for Christmas presents.
Admission is free and there is tea and cake available to buy, along with a bottle tombola and raffle.
Mandy said it made for a great day out for all.
“We tend to be busiest in the mornings with the afternoon the best to browse stalls more comfortably,” she added.
The prize raffle, drawn at the end of the event, has even bigger prizes this year with horse racing days out, cream teas, loads of family theme park tickets, railway attractions and theatre tickets, all donated by generous local businesses and individuals.
Anyone who cannot make the event but wants to take part in the raffle can buy tickets by contacting Bryan Edwards through his fundraising page – visit the ‘Charity Plants Evesham’ Facebook page for more.
