Sansaw Business Park hosts Horses Help Heroes fundraiser

Firms on the Sansaw Business Park near Shrewsbury joined forces with the estate owners in support of a ground-breaking Horses Help Heroes initiative last night – raising a staggering £2,254.88 in three hours.

In order to raise £1m for injured servicemen, the adventurers are currently a third of the way through an epic journey to drive a replica WW1 horse-drawn ambulance the length of Britain non-stop in just 10 days.

So to give the coffers a boost, James Thompson, managing director of the Sansaw Estate in Hadnall, along with tenants including pharmaceutical firm Dechra, land agents Carter Jonas and marketing firm Yarrington, created a summer fayre outside their award-winning offices.

Crowds of supporters took part in all manner of activities including a donkey derby, hook-a-duck, a coconut shy and target shooting.

James Thompson said the event was an unqualified success.

“We were obviously hoping for a good turnout but we were all amazed by the numbers of people who turned out in their droves,” he said.

“Thankfully we escaped the worst of the weather and it was lovely to be able to do our bit for such an amazing cause.”

The one-off challenge – run to support the Help For Heroes cause – is a real feat of both human and equestrian endurance. Six pairs of highly trained horses will pull the ambulance which is being driven by a paramedic and a team of service people who have been injured during the conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan.

As well as HRH Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, a number of high profile supporters from both the military and equestrian world have agreed to support the cause.

Of the challenge, HRH Prince William said: “The Horses Help Heroes challenge combines in one the great British traits of thirst for adventure, support and compassion for our wounded soldiers, sailors and airmen, and a love of horses – with just the mildest sprinkling of healthy eccentricity.

“I salute all those involved with Horses Help Heroes for their tireless commitment, energy and originality in their drive toward this vision. I urge everyone to support them, in whatever way they can.”

He said: “This is a mind-blowing challenge which needs all our support. With the conflicts continuing to rage in Iraq, Afghanistan and other hot-spots, it is vital we keep raising money for the soldiers who put their lives on the line day-in, day-out.

Donations can be made through the website – http://www.horseshelpheroes.org.uk.