Horsing around raises cash for charity

09 February 2024

SSAFA was presented with a cheque for £500 raised by the organisers of the Larkhill Combined Services Point to Point on Sunday and a further £600 raised from the crowds.

The day was blustery and cold, but the hardy Point to Point racegoers were dressed for the weather and out in force. The Combined Services Point to Point is the only UK Point to Point to be affiliated with all three services and is a chance for the military community to get together in friendly competition.

Each year the event supports SSAFA, the oldest tri-service military charity, which was established in 1885 to look after the families of serving soldiers and sailors, with RAF personnel joining after its formation in 1918.

Race Secretary, Johnny Brooking said: “The Combined Services Point to Point is extremely proud to continue its relationship with SSAFA. The Combined Services meeting is the last remaining military Point-to-Point and it seems fitting therefore that we support the Armed Forces charity.”

The racegoers were equally generous, being encouraged to donate by recent recruits to the Armed Forces. Armed with SSAFA collection buckets, the young men and women walked around the exhibition area, mingling with the crowds and collecting donations.

Gill Sharpe, a SSAFA Wiltshire volunteer, said: “We were very grateful for the wonderful assistance from the six enthusiastic Phase 2 recruits from 24 (Irish) Battery, 14th Regiment Royal Artillery. They were an absolute credit to their Unit, smartly turned out, engaging, keen and confident; they raised around £600 for the charity.”