On the 1st of January 2022, we opened the gates to our beautiful Deer Park, so friends and families could enjoy a leisurely stroll in the fresh air across the grounds – and raise money for our chosen charity of 2022, the Brain Tumour Charity.
We wanted to encourage people to get their walking boots on and to start the new year with a refreshing, socially distanced amble through the wide-open space of the estate’s parkland, which is home to two species of deer; Red Deer, the largest British wild land mammal, and our smaller Fallow Deer.
Volunteers from the Brain Tumour Charity were on hand at the start of the outdoor walk, so all attendees could make a donation towards the organisation and its integral work.
The Stables Café was open on the day too, serving takeaway food and a selection of delicious hot and cold drinks for walkers to enjoy during the event. Any young walkers could burn off any remaining energy at our woodland play area, nestled amongst the castle’s vast woodlands.
Four-legged friends didn’t miss out on the walk as dogs on a lead were also welcome for our New Year’s Day dog walk at 11.30am in the Coach Yard.
Sophie Brown, Events Manager at Raby Castle said:
“We’ve hosted New Year’s Day walks here at Raby before and they have always proved popular as a fantastic way to start the new year.
“Not only can people enjoy the incredible scenery across our park, but they can do so knowing that they are helping a worthwhile cause – it’s a really great incentive and what a positive way to begin 2022.”
We selected the Brain Tumour Charity as our chosen charity for this year after a Teesdale farmer and Raby tenant, Richard Scott, sadly passed away after being diagnosed with a low-grade glioma brain tumour six years ago.
Helen Scott, Richard’s wife commented: “
“To hear that Raby is putting on this fundraising event for an organisation that is so close to our hearts is incredibly moving and we are extremely grateful.
“We hope the walk has a brilliant turnout and the attendees enjoy their time at Raby – their donations will help so many people and families like ours.”
All proceeds of the New Year’s Day walk were given to the world’s leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally.
The Brain Tumour Charity’s community fund-raiser for the North East, Helen Rogers added:
“Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of the under 40s and survival rates have not improved significantly over the last 40 years. We are leading the way in changing this by fighting brain tumours on all fronts.
“We receive no government funding and rely 100% on voluntary donations, so it’s only through the thoughtfulness of businesses like Raby Estates, and people’s generous support, that we can change these shocking statistics in the future and bring hope to the thousands of people who are diagnosed with a brain tumour every year.”
With the help of our wonderful visitors, we managed to raise £2,746.74 for the Brain Tumour Charity. To find out more about this incredible charity please visit their website.
If you would like to come and visit us, our Deer Park is currently open daily 10am – 4pm and, as an added bonus for January and February, we are also opening our Castle Terrace which has incredible views across the park. To find out more and book your admission please visit our What’s On page.