This week I’ve come to realise just what I’ve taken on!

On Monday morning, all the riders met at York Racecourse for a welcome day, which was hosted by Anthea Morshead who, many years ago, I rode against in point to points!  It was a fab day during which we found out about each other’s backgrounds, progress to date and stories relating to cancer and Macmillan.  We received some great advice from Sarah Huntridge and Venetia Wrigley who have participated in the race in previously (Venetia won the race in 2013 and raised over £30,000 in sponsorship – a monumental achievement).

Nikki and Robyn from Macmillan gave us some really good advice and motivation for raising funds for Macmillan. We had our photos taken for the press, radio interviews and made a start on our video diaries. We finished the day with a tour of the weighing room which I know well enough as a trainer but not the behind the scenes facilities for jockey which are top class.

My main focus at the moment is fund raising, losing weight and getting race fit.  In contrast to most of the other riders I don’t have to worry about finding a yard to ride out at or a (hopefully) horse for the race itself!  I do however have to worry about doing the weight!  Anthea advised that at a second visit to York we would all get weighed in our kit so she knew how much lead to have on stand by – not a problem I’m going to have!

Last night I visited Jack Berry House for the first time – a very impressive facility for northern joackeys. Four of us met up with Tom O’ryan and were put through our paces on the mechanical horses.  It is much harder than it looks even having had race riding experience – all be 15 years ago!  I’ve got to say I absolutely loved it.  I drove home hyper to inform my husband, Roger that “I think I’ve still got it!”  Not sure what “it” is and I definately didn’t have “it” this morning!

The fund raising ideas are coming togeather with the fantastic help of Mum and Dad as usual and will be posted here as soon as we have confirmed plans.

If in the mean time anyone could spare a pound or two to sponsor me I’d be eternally grateful!  Click here to visit my Just Giving site.