A fine day for horse racing and fund-raising

Ladies who lunch was given a new meaning as these fine fillies enjoyed an afternoon at the races whilst supporting children with disabilities.
Amy Price, Elizabeth Oakes and Angela Kelly at Rainbow House Royal Ascot Ladies DayAmy Price, Elizabeth Oakes and Angela Kelly at Rainbow House Royal Ascot Ladies Day
Amy Price, Elizabeth Oakes and Angela Kelly at Rainbow House Royal Ascot Ladies Day

The first Rainbow House Royal Ascot Day was a great success, with more than 130 women attending a special lunch at Preston North End’s Invincible Lounge.The event raised more than £7,000 for Rainbow House, which provides conductive education and rehabilitation for children, young people and adults with neurological problems such a cerebral palsy, brain injury, stroke, MS and genetic conditions.After enjoying a Bucks Fizz on arrival, the guests sat down to a two-course lunch with live entertainment from singer Michael Cosgrove. The guests kept up-to-date with the horse racing, as there was live coverage from Royal Ascot, including the Royal Procession and BetSid.In between races, the ladies could browse around a range of fashion and beauty exhibitors’ stands including The Body Shop, Forever Living, Button boutique, Grace’s Gifts, Handbags and Spa Creams.Whilst there were cash prizes for those who got lucky on the bets, there were two big winners led by Rainbow House’s own competitions and raffles. Jane Rapin, from Bury, won the best dressed filly and one lucky lady, Kerry Langrish, from Leyland, won the diamond necklace worth more than £750.Other raffle prizes during the day included vouchers for beauty/hair products, afternoon tea, food hampers and clothes.Carole Cochrane, chief executive of Rainbow House, said: “This was a great new event for us and we had a fantastic afternoon with lots of winners. “Our thanks go to everyone who joined us and made the day such a great success. “Special thanks go to Suzy Orr from Windoworld who sponsored the event, The Villa for a lovely meal, Preston North End for setting up the live coverage and BetSid for running the betting facilities and making a donation.“The ladies had a wonderful time. It was such a success we are already planning another one for next year.”Rainbow House, based in Mawdesley, receives no statutory funding but has to raise £10,000 per week to fund and develop its services, which includes more than 250 hours of conductive education and rehabilitation work each week. As a result, it is reliant on donations from the public, grants and fund-raising activities.

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