A Lockerbie charity has been featured on this year’s BBC Children in Need Appeal. Viewers of the marathon fund-raising programme in Scotland would have seen work Sports Driving Unlimited (SDU) in action, following the award of a £36,000 grant by BBC Children in Need. The grant will help fund the care and welfare of the ponies which make such a difference to the lives of children and young people facing disadvantages in Annandale and Nithsdale.
SDU, which works closely with the Chariots of Fire Equestrian Centre in Boreland, owns 10 ponies, each selected for their calm and friendly temperament which are essential to the disabled children’s pony driving experience. They also need to have the strength and energy required to provide a driver with the thrills of cantering around the field and competing at events.
The grant from BBC Children in Need will go towards the cost of looking after the ponies for the next three years. “We are so grateful to the BBC Children in Need Appeal for these funds” says SDU’s Chairperson, Brenda Hodgson, “and to the millions of people who donate to the appeal each year. I hope they know what a difference their money makes, especially as the cost of things like feed, the farrier, harnesses, veterinary care and rugs are increasing all time. SDU currently funds activities for over 200 disabled young people in the area. This grant will contribute to improving the lives of so many disabled young people and give them an exciting and challenging experience to enjoy.”
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