13-05-2025
Clwyd Special Riding Centre push with Crowdfunder appeal
Clwyd Special Riding Centre, just outside Wrexham, has raised over £214,000 towards its target of £365,000, after an urgent Crowdfunder appeal was launched by the Centre's Trustees earlier this month.
Established 43 years ago, the centre is in serious financial crisis and must raise the remaining £151,000 by Friday, May 23 if it is to secure its future in the medium term.
More than 1,000 donors have already contributed to the Crowdfunder appeal, such is the respect and affection for the life-changing, transformative work of the Centre.
Brooke at Clwyd Special Riding Centre.
Expert staff and volunteers deliver equine assisted therapy, education and inspirational experiences that champion inclusion and promote physical, emotional and social wellbeing for people of all ages with additional needs, such as nine-year-olds Brooke and Albert, and international para-dressage rider, Leonie Saffy.
Trustee, Victoria Everall, whose mother Anne Sopwith founded the centre said: "Every pound buys us time but the clock is ticking. Every introduction to a potential corporate sponsor could change our future but we need their doors opening.
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"Clwyd Special Riding Centre is so much more than just a Riding for the Disabled centre. It offers a broad range of equine-assisted activities thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers and some incredible horses. Not all superheroes wear capes - some have hooves and huge hearts."
As the only centre in North Wales delivering hippotherapy (specialist physiotherapy which utilises a horse's movement) and a programme called Changing Lives Through Horses, the centre empowers people of all ages with additional needs, be they physical or emotional.
Joint centre manager, Caroline Dingwall, added: "Our position is perilous. If we do not reach our £365,000 target by Friday, May 23, the centre will be forced to close. We want to be totally transparent with our existing and potential supporters. We do not want donations to disappear into a black hole. If we don't reach our target, the centre will close, and all donations will be returned.
Read more: Family devastated at charity's potential closure over funds
"Clwyd Special Riding Centre is a sanctuary and crucial to the physical and emotional health and wellbeing of those who visit here every week. It is an inclusive, safe space where everyone is welcomed, seen, heard, valued and respected.
"Sadly, we know closing our doors will have a lasting impact on our participants and we are all feeling the weight of that very deeply as we near our deadline."
• Donations can be made via their Crowdfunder at:
