Bannockburn Riding for the Disabled to benefit from naked showjumping

Oct 28 2009 by Donald Morton, Stirling Observer Wednesday

CHARITY fundraisers have put themselves through agony over the years to raise cash for their favourite causes.

Men have had their chests waxed, women have run marathons, groups have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and walked the Great Wall of China.

But they all pale into insignificance with the efforts of 39 year-old Clare Haworth from Stepps near Glasgow, who will be raising cash for Bannockburn Riding for the Disabled Association on Saturday, October 31.

For keen horsewoman Clare is going to raise money by taking on a “Lady Godiva” role and showjumping naked on a farm near Cumbernauld.

Clare, who teaches music in schools around North Lanarkshire and also sings for Scottish Opera, heard about the RDA’s tragic loss of four horses due to grass sickness disease during the summer and wanted to help out. The loss of horses meant the cancellation of the clubs class sessions and a loss of income in the region of £20,000.

Cash raised from her unique charity event will be split between the RDA and the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, in memory of her father John Howarth who died from lung cancer last year.

Clare spoke to friends at Kilt Farm, Walton Road, Cumbernauld and bravely volunteered to go “The Full Mounty” on Hallowe’en – whatever the weather.

“When I heard about what happened to the RDA horses I thought it was so sad,” said Clare.

“I had wanted to do something in honour of my dad, so when the idea of naked showjumping came along, I thought: ‘Why not?”

She added: “I hope it will be a successful fundraiser as people are looking for something that's fun and a bit different.”

Clare’s event begins at 2.30pm on Saturday. Entry is free but no under-18s will be admitted. You can support this event by coming along and giving cash in person – so long as you're over 18 – or by donating online at www.justgiving.com/Clare-Haworth.

To top up any cash raised from the “Full Mounty” event, the farm is hosting a hog roast, barn dance and auction featuring live bands and entertainment.

The lots up for auction include weekend breaks, safari tickets, riding lessons, and much more.

Unlike the afternoon show, this will be open to all the family but due to licensing restrictions, it’s a BYOB party. Tickets are £15 or £7.50 for children under 12, and can be booked on 0141 578 9060 or 07863 158307.