Cheltenham boost for charity

Fundraising activities centred around the Cheltenham Festival helped raise more than �250,000 for Cancer Research UK.

The main fundraising event was the St Patrick’s Derby after the main card on Thursday.

It was won by Olympic three-day event rider Tina Cook, daughter of the late Josh Gifford, and boosted the coffers by about �200,000.

Other events included an auction that brought in �60,000 and a golf day that made �26,000.

Cheltenham managing director Edward Gillespie said: “We are thrilled with the response to Cancer Research UK‘s involvement with the Festival.

“The charity race raised an extraordinary amount of money and we are truly grateful for everyone’s generosity. There was a real buzz on course surrounding the race, followed by a wonderful evening event that raised essential funds for a very worthwhile charity.”