Lycetts Launch Ball for BE Support Trust raises thousands

The Launch Ball for a new equestrian charity at Thorseby International Horse Trials proved a success, raising over £10,000 for injured riders.

Stars of the eventing world were among those attending the British Eventing Support Trust’s Launch Ball at the Eventing Spring Carnival.

BE Support Trust’s  Jane Rudd, said: “We were delighted by the enthusiasm and generosity from those attending our first fundraising event. The money raised will provide help and support for riders who have been injured or suffer other physical or mental challenges.”

The glamorous black-tie ball was sponsored by Lycetts Insurance Brokers and Financial Services, who are part of the Benefact Group and one of the UK’s leading corporate charity donors.

Among those attending were Olympians Laura Collett, Nicola Wilson and Vittoria Panizzon, World Championships Silver Medallist Harry Meade, European Gold Medallist Yasmin Ingham and European Eventing Champion Bubby Upton.

The highlight of the evening was a charity auction, hosted by eventing stars Ian Stark and Jonty Evans. Stark, a trustee of the BE Support Trust, caused great delight by test driving an Eco Voltz equestrian cross-country bike – one of the big ticket auction items.

Other lots that attracted high bids included four tickets to Phantom of the Opera and a lunch and tour of Tattersalls, provided by Lycetts.

The auction, tables and donations raised a total of £5,000 on the night- a total match funded by Benefact Group.

The ball was a high point of a weekend of eventing, that included the prestigious Lycetts-sponsored Grantham Cup, which ran on Lycetts Sunday. It marked the eleventh year of Lycetts sponsoring the trophy.

The Sunday also saw the first Match Play competition which was won by GBR Team, riders were Yasmin Ingham, Bubby Upton, Heidi Coy and Felicity Collins

Rudd added: “We are tremendously grateful to all those who supported us. It has got the charity off to an impressive start and we are optimistic that the momentum will now increase.

“It is so important that injured riders have somewhere to turn to for financial and practical support.

“Money raised will also enable us to promote, research, develop and implement initiatives to help maintain the overall safety and welfare of our riders.”