Controversial pro-hunting campaigner Otis Ferry will be under starters orders in the Shrewsbury Chronicle race in aid of our REsponD appeal this afternoon (Thursday).
Mr Ferry, master of the South Shropshire Hunt and son of Roxy Music front-man Bryan Ferry, will be one of 12 riders competing in the charity race at Ludlow Racecourse at 5.55pm.
Charity organisers are hoping that the money raised from the event will be enough to take our REsponD Appeal to its £100,000 target. The money will fund a co-ordinator to help recruit ambassadors for people to access Red Cross services.
Last month REsponD officials were able to buy a multi-purpose vehicle thanks to donations through our appeal.
Mr Ferry, who has led several pro-hunt rallies across Britain, said: “I’m quite nervous – I haven’t raced at a professional race course like Ludlow before.
“The Red Cross is a great organisation to raise money for as they help many rural communities in the UK.
“I’m hoping my family will be there and I will be riding my horse Bertie.”
Also participating in the race is Izzy Barnard, defence correspondent for the British Forces Broadcasting Service BFBS.
Mrs Barnard, from Harnage, near Cressage, will be racing on her horse Winter Nomination.
Izzy regularly travels to war-torn countries such as Afghanistan and Iraq and says she has seen, first hand, the valuable work of the Red Cross.
Ian Musty, appeal organiser, said: “We have sold 350 tickets for the event which will be a fantastic day.”