Ormskirk Donkey Derby back by popular demand

Ormskirk Donkey Derby back by popular demand

Those who like a flutter on the horses, could be in for a winning time at a Donkey Derby fundraiser in Aughton to support life-saving cancer research.

After the success of last year’s event, the fun-filled race night will return on Friday 22nd September at St Anne’s Social Centre on Prescot Road to raise money for local charity North West Cancer Research.

Organised by the charity’s Aughton-based fundraising group last year’s Derby attracted more than 50 Ormskirk race fans who put their bets on and raised £450.

This year the fundraising group hopes to beat that total. There will be six races throughout the evening and entry costs £4 or free for children under 12.

All money raised through ticket sales and bets from the evening’s six races will be donated to North West Cancer Research which funds ground-breaking cancer research at nearby University of Liverpool.

Ruth Griffiths, Secretary of the Aughton-based fundraising group for North West Cancer Research, said: “Last year was the first time we held the Donkey Derby, we didn’t know what to expect but the night turned out to be lots of fun and we raised lots of money doing so. Even the children enjoyed getting involved in the races and betting on their favourite horses.

“We expect this year to be bigger and better and raise even more money for North West Cancer Research.”

North West Cancer Research has committed to funding £3.8million worth of research based in Merseyside over the next three years. The charity has recently announced a £450,000 funding boost for research into neuroblastoma a rare childhood cancer, which will be a collaboration between University of Liverpool and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

Sara Cooper, Committee Engagement and Events Executive for North West Cancer Research, said: “Last year’s Donkey Derby was a huge success. It’s nice to see our fundraisers have fun whilst they help out the charity.

“We all hope everyone attending has just as much fun as last year and that they choose some winning horses.”

The Donkey Derby will take place on Friday 22nd September at St Anne’s Social Centre, Ormskirk at 7:30pm with the first race starting at 7:45pm.
Tickets are available on the door and priced at £4 each for adults and free for children 12 and under.
For more information on future fundraising events with the North West Cancer Research, visit http://bit.ly/NWCRhome.