Chester Racecourse once again joined forces with the MBNA Community Investment Programme for another charitable initiative last month, gifting more than 100 free tickets to local charities so that families could enjoy the racecourse’s annual Roman Day celebrations.
As part of the gifted experience, 120 families from three local charities were given complimentary entry to the raceday and a free picnic lunch, allowing them to enjoy quality time together.
Families also had access to their own private marquee on the Roodee and were offered a range of free activities throughout the afternoon.
The invited charities included Koala North West, an organisation offering essential support to families across the North West, covering everything from neonatal care to family well-being and early learning.
Tickets were also given to Save the Family, which provides temporary accommodation and 24/7 wrap-around support to homeless and at-risk families, as well as Cheshire Young Carers, an initiative supporting thousands of young people aged six to 14 caring for a family member to help give them a childhood.
Victoria Dowd, MBNA Community Investment Partnership Manager, who headed up the initiative, said: “Through the MBNA Community Investment Programme, we want to make sure local events, delivered by our partners, engage with families in and around Chester and help provide opportunities to spend quality time together making memories, with the Roman Day celebrations a perfect fit.
“This year’s event was another sell-out success and it’s fantastic to play a small role in ensuring families from our region can come along and make memories together.
“It was fantastic to bring together charity partners – Koala North West, Save the Family and Cheshire Young Carers – and offer local families a chance to relax and enjoy time together.”
Kate Dawson, Commercial Director at Chester Racecourse, added: “We have been in partnership with MBNA for 14 years now and it’s great to work with the Community Investment Programme to identify opportunities within our local community to invite families to the racecourse.
“Alongside MBNA, we are committed to engaging with local charities and providing unforgettable moments to cherish at our events, including Roman Day and our annual Lord Mayor’s Fireworks Extravaganza, where we gift free tickets and provide complimentary food and drink.
“It’s a great way to give back to the community while also expanding the reach of our events programme.”
Claire Worth, Activity Respite Manager at Cheshire Young Carers, said: “It’s been great to offer our families tickets because they wouldn’t usually be able to afford something like this. For many of them, it was the first time that they’ve experienced the races and been able to take part in the activities.
“Occasions like this are all about making special memories together and allowing children to be children, taking a break from the care and responsibilities they provide 24/7.”
Emma Williams, Family Mentor at Save The Family, added: “We can’t thank the MBNA Community Investment Fund and Chester Racecourse enough. These families wouldn’t normally be able to come to an event like this. Just seeing their faces when they arrived and the experiences – from seeing a helicopter landing to all the horses and activities – make it so amazing and we are ever so grateful for the support.”
For further information about the MBNA Community Investment Programme, please click here.
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