Record-breaking 131 Mascots Race and Raise GBP23,000 for Charities

    BROMLEY, ENGLAND, April 29, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The 10th annual Mascot Gold Cup took place this weekend at the prestigious Wetherby Racecourse, raising around GBP23,000 for Sue Ryder and other charities whilst providing a fun family day out.

The event was sponsored by Foresters, the international financial services organisation, who have been the main sponsor since 2009. Foresters' member volunteers provided further help and support with fundraising and organising on the day of race.

131 larger than life furry characters took part in the Mascot Gold Cup, the most that have ever participated in this annual event. Sue Ryder, the organisers of the event, are excitedly waiting to hear whether the event has created a new Guinness World Record for The Most Mascots!

Over the years', this fun event has raised around GBP300,000 for good causes with the lion's share going to the Sue Ryder charity.

This year, the winners were:
- Winner of the Mascot Gold Cup - Daisy Dog (White Ribbon Campaign)
- 2nd - Ongo Bear (Ongo)
- 3rd - Hero, the Handsome Hurdling Horse (Macmillan and Kier)

Alexis Bovington, Manager, Member Development from Foresters says: "The event was the biggest ever this year and is, as always, a fantastic way to not only raise funds for worthy causes, but for families to enjoy a day out at this historic racecourse".

Ms. Bovington adds that, together with the other charities Foresters support, they help over half a million children a year.

Andrew Wood, Senior Fundraiser, Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, comments: "We very much appreciate the support of Foresters for this unique event, both from a sponsorship viewpoint and for the fantastic Foresters members who help us out and raise additional funds on the day. When Foresters set us the challenge of breaking the world record we thought it would be a long shot - but fingers crossed, we are hopeful we will achieve it".

For more information on the event, visit www.mascotgoldcup.org.uk or contact Andrew Wood from Sue Ryder by email: [email protected]

ABOUT FORESTERS

At Foresters we believe in enriching the lives of our members, their families and the communities they live in. We're member-based, family-focused, and community spirited.

We champion the well-being of families through quality financial products, unique member benefits and inspiring community activities.

We share our financial strength with over one million members across the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. Throughout our 140-year history, our purpose has been to enrich the lives of members, their families and communities. The priorities remain today and will guide our future.

As an example, our work with Cash for Kids in their 2014 Mission Christmas Appeal helped nearly 300,000 children to have a better Christmas. The whole campaign raised over GBP9m and involved 2,660 Foresters volunteers. Together with other charity partners we helped over half a million disadvantaged children in 2014.

Forester Life is responsible for funds under management of nearly GBP3.3bn* and is part of Foresters, the international financial services organisation.

Internationally, Foresters has over GBP15.7bn* funds under management and has been assigned an 'A' excellent rating by A.M. Best.**

Safeguarding our members' interests is at the heart of what we do. Being financially strong and responsive, with sound governance and continuing professional service have always helped us to protect our members' benefits.

*As at 31st December 2014

**An 'A' excellent rating is assigned to companies that have a strong ability to meet their ongoing obligations to policyholders and have, on balance, excellent balance sheet strength, operating performance and business profile when compared to the standards established by A.M. Best Company. In assigning Foresters rating A.M. Best stated that Foresters outlook rating is 'stable', which means it is unlikely to change in the near future, assuming Foresters financial strength is maintained and operations grow. A.M. Best assigns rating from A++ to F, A++ being superior and A and A- being excellent ratings. This rating was assigned on 2nd July 2013. Our International Head Office is located at 789 Don Mills Road, Toronto, Canada M3C 1T9.

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