Group Financial Director Sue Howell’s idea has helped raise over £100,000 for charity
ALTHOUGH the sun made only a brief appearance, 350 guests turned out for the second Richard Layton Charity Raceday at Hereford Racecourse on April 16, 2026.
Organisers Sue Howell, Marie-Louise Layton, Simon Milham, and George & Lily Layton were dipping their toes into the water for a second time after the success of the first Charity Raceday in November 2024, where they raised over £50,000 for three charities: We Are Farming Minds, Midlands Air Ambulance and the Injured Jockeys Fund. This time, the event was even bigger, with Herefordshire Mind added to the recipient charity roster.
In a marquee, decked with gold and blue balloons on tables, the paying guests were treated to a really superb two-course meal, sumptuous hog roast and dancing to a live band after the evening’s Jumps action, which comprised of seven-race card.
The sum raised for the four charities was in excess of £56,000, which will be split equally between the hugely deserving charities.
“It was a lot of hard work by a small team to put this event together, but we are thrilled with the monies raised – and understandably a little tired, too,” said Sue Howell.
“We can’t thank people enough for donating auction and raffle prizes, those who bought tables and bought banner space, raffle tickets and auction prizes. We have so many people to thank for making this an event to remember.
“All the feedback we have had has been very favourable, and it appears those who came thoroughly enjoyed it. We could not have asked for more.”
WATCH THE VIDEO OF THE DAY – COURTESY OF FRANK MILHAM (Midnight Kotatsu)
It was Sue’s idea to hold the raceday in memory of Richard Layton, who ran Dewdales Hope Farm in Bodenham. Richard had suffered from long-term depression and took his own life in March 2023 at the age of 53. His widow, Marie-Louise, son George and daughter Lily wanted to raise awareness of mental health problems in the farming community, and Sue wanted to help her good friend. Thus, the Richard Layton Charity Raceday was born.
“The money raised by the auction and raffle surpassed our expectations,” said Simon Milham. “Midlands Air Ambulance donated a table for 10 at Cheltenham’s Christmas meeting, which was sold for £6,000, and while that was a highlight, there were so many generous people willing to help such good causes, and we can’t find the words to say how grateful we all are.
“It has clearly found a place in the Herefordshire events calendar – we only wish the event was not staged because of a tragic loss – but the idea was to get talking about mental health and there were some good conversations, so in that respect, we should all be proud of what we have achieved.”
WATCH THE VIDEO OF THE DAY – COURTESY OF FRANK MILHAM (Midnight Kotatsu)
WATCH THE VIDEO OF THE DAY – COURTESY OF FRANK MILHAM (Midnight Kotatsu)