Moray Riding for the Disabled volunteers "gobsmacked" by £10,000 funding boost

VOLUNTEERS at a Moray charity that works with people with a range of disabilities have been left "gobsmacked" after a £10,000 funding boost.

Riding for the Disabled, based in Cranloch, near Elgin, received the money from the National Lottery Community Fund.

The money is set to pay for three months worth of running costs for the charity, which provides people with a range of disabilities with weekly horse riding and care classes.

"I was gobsmacked when we got the confirmation through," fundraiser Tracy Hales said. "I couldn't speak, I was so delighted.

"We applied for the maximum grant of £10,000 two months ago and that will cover our costs from August to December.

"Thank you to National Lottery players who have made this funding possible."

Moray Riding for the Disabled has been running for 52 years. There are currently four fully-trained coaches, backed by around 30 volunteers.

The group operates for 24 weeks per year – in four six-week blocks – with the cost for one week roughly £1000.

The aim is to give people who are suffering from disabilities or mental health problems confidence, freedom and enjoyment.

"We help people who suffer from anxiety, people with physical disabilities, the visually impaired and so many more," Tracy added.

"We don't tend to think about it too much, but it is a big help for a lot of people."

Moray Riding for the Disabled has a fundraising committee and regularly attend Moray events with stalls, selling baked goods and raffle tickets.

Tracy added: "We do a lot of different, fun, things to raise money through various avenues, but this really is our biggest donation and the icing on the cake for us."

For more information on Moray Riding for the Disabled, visit their brand new website at morayrda.org.uk

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