Despite a last minute change of plan, there was a great turnout for the sponsored horse ride at the Boddington and Dragon pub on Saturday, April 9th.
The intention was for over 100 horses to ride through Wilmslow Town Centre and on to Alderley Edge to raise money for The Christie Hospital, but in the end only those animals that were being led took this route, whilst the majority took to the bridal paths.
The charity ride was organised Heather O'Neil, a foster carer from Wilmslow who also rescues horses and ponies which are no longer wanted, neglected or abused. She teamed up with millionaire bookie Selwyn Demmy, who spends a considerable amount of time caring for deprived animals, and sponsored the event.
Heather came up with the idea of the charity ride because she wanted to give something back to The Christie, where her mum Maureen is currently having radiotherapy for lung cancer.
Heather told me "We couldn't have asked for a better turnout, it was absolutely fantastic.
"We weren't allowed to take any animals through the town which weren't being led so it didn't have the impact we'd hoped for but we still achieved a lot."
Heather couldn't have wished for better weather though, it was a glorious sunny day for the sponsored ride on Saturday, which was officially started by Coronation Street actresses Samia Smith and Alison King.
Heather said "We don't know how much was raised as yet as we are still waiting for all the sponsorship to come in but we took over £1000 on the day from the collection and cheques which companies sent in. Add this to the sponsorship raised and we are hoping to exceed £2000.
"I would like to thank everyone who took part in the ride and helped organise it, as well as the people who came out to support which was absolutely brilliant, people were very generous."
