Worlington Charity Open Trial
On Saturday 28th December 2019 Sophie Britch hosted her very first ever sheep dog trial, raising funds for Addenbrookes Charitable Trust. This was a mammoth task to undertake, along with continuing to work on a daily basis and also support her father through his illness. However Sophie achieved her goal, the trial was a huge success and enjoyed by all.
The reason behind organising the trial and raising money for Addenbrookes Charitable Trust was something so heartfelt to Sophie. In March 2019 her father had what was believed to be a heart attack. He was discharged from hospital for monitoring. Some 6 weeks later, he was back in A&E having had what was clearly a seizure and this was rapidly followed by a third.
He was eventually diagnosed with Ganglioglioma, a rare type of brain tumour. His care was transferred to Addenbrookes hospital, a world leading authority on brain tumours. On 21st June 2019 her incredibly brave father underwent several hours of surgery to remove the tumour, which was skilfully undertaken by a very talented surgeon. He has made amazing progress in the weeks since that surgery and is enjoying his second chance at life.
Sophie held the Charity Open Sheepdog Trial and auction to raise funds for Addenbrookes, to help ensure that the specialist people and facilities that saved her fathers life are available to others.
Sophie was very fortunate to have such wonderful friends to support her with the trial. Ed Thornalley hosted the trial and supplied the sheep. Grace Baldry-Roberts was Course Director and provided general all round help and support both prior to and during the trial, and Denis Jenkins was judge for the day. Denis made sure that the 53 dogs due to run throughout the day did so in daylight! Sophie also couldn't of managed without the support of her friends Sharon and Philip Dingle and Jo Rollinson. It is incredible how generous we can be towards one another at times when we need support. In addition what more could you also ask for at a sheep dog trial than a dry day, the weather was very kind and stayed dry for the duration! Something that was so precious to Sophie was that her father was able to attend the trial too, he thoroughly enjoyed his day and this meant the world to Sophie that he was there with her.
Results from the days trialling were as follows:
1st - Ben Smith with Roy on 94 points
2nd - Ed Thornalley with Jamie on 93 points (OLF)
3rd - Ben Smith with Kirby on 93 points
4th - James McBride with Jake on 90 points
5th - Becky Galloway with Skye on88 points
6th - Angie Blackmore with Zac on 85 points (OLF)
In addition to the trial, Sophie also organised a silent auction, receiving amazing items to offer for the auction, these included a 3 night stay at Thomas Longton's Shepherds Barn, a half day training session with Welsh National Champion Arwyn Davies, a shedding lesson with Aled Owen and a KM Engineering dog cabin, such a huge level of generosity shown.
Overall the trial and auction raised £3,000 for the Addenbrooke Charitable Trust. Sincere thanks goes to everybody that contributed, and for giving such an amazing level of support towards Sophie both prior to and during the trial.
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Some wonderful prizes were donated for the winners, and the rosettes were supplied by Rebecca Elizabeth Spooner |
Tense time at the shed
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A delicious BBQ and hoomemade cakes were available throughout the day
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Sophie had been very busy leading up to the trial making these delicious homemade cakes
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