Donation to provide vital support to young people in Newmarket
Racing Welfare has received a pledged donation of £97,560, which will enable the charity to fund a Housing Support Officer for three years, providing direct support to young people starting out their careers in racing.
The donation comes courtesy of Dr Johnny Hon of Global Group Racing, and will come into effect from January 2022.
The role will be based at MacDonald Buchanan House, which provides safe, affordable housing in the heart of Newmarket’s racing community for young people aged 16-24.
Owned and managed by Racing Homes, Racing Welfare’s housing charity, MacDonald Buchanan House aims to bridge the gap between the racing schools and independent living, and a dedicated Housing Support Officer is integral to that. The supportive environment overseen by the Housing Support Officer gives these young people the best opportunity to flourish in both their personal and professional lives.
“We are very grateful to Dr Johnny Hon, owner of Global Group Racing, for his generous pledge which will play a vital part in supporting young residents at MacDonald Buchanan House. Never has it been so important for racing and its people to ensure those starting out in their careers have a good experience and the right support to ensure they can remain within the sport and thrive, and our Housing Support Officer plays a pivotal role in making that happen.” Dawn Goodfellow, Chief Executive at Racing Welfare
“I am delighted to back this project for the next three years. As a passionate racing fan and owner of Albert House Stables, I know the importance of supporting all the great people who make racing happen. Young people come into racing with a love of horses and a desire to share in the excitement of winning races, but they have not always been well supported and they can be vulnerable in their personal lives. I believe in nurturing talent, looking after our own and being a force for good in our local community.”
This project makes a real difference and sets an example that should be copied elsewhere in racing communities.
Dr Johnny Hon, owner of Global Group Racing
