The Mane Event: Ipswich charitable Race Night raises over £1,200 in aid of local Armed Forces community

12 June 2026

Supporters of Suffolk’s Armed Forces community came out in full force to raise more than £1,200 for the local branch of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.  

Held at Paul’s Sports and Social Club in Ipswich, more than 70 guests attended the SSAFA Race Night, enjoying virtual horse racing which was all made possible thanks to local volunteers.  

Racegoers also took part in a raffle which saw support from a range of local businesses and individual donors, resulting in many prizes.  

Numerous local businesses further supported the Race Night, providing race sponsorship and access to facilities to make the event possible. Local breweries Adnams Southwold and Greene King gave prizes, alongside donations from nearby supermarket chains – Tesco Ipswich Extra and Asda Stokepark.  

Paul’s Sports and Social Club donated use of the venue and catering support from the social-club based Nettie’s Kitchen, the Grand Provincial Lodge of Suffolk joined the cause by sponsoring several races which contributed to the rising total.  

All funds raised will go directly towards supporting veterans, serving personnel and their families living across the county.  

Darren White, Branch Secretary for SSAFA Suffolk, commented: “We are incredibly grateful for all those that came together to make our Race Night a huge success. From the volunteers who tirelessly organised the event, our sponsors for contributing to a fantastic raffle and to our guests who came out to donate and show support for Suffolk’s military community. These vital funds will go directly towards helping veterans, serving personnel and their families and we’re extremely grateful to everyone for their generosity. We’re already looking forward to hosting our next event in the lead up to Christmas to bring the community together once more”.