Sandbach riders in the pink to raise money for charity (From Crewe Guardian)

Sandbach riders in the pink to raise money for charity

3:23pm Tuesday 14th February 2012 in News By David Morgan

DO not be alarmed if you see a blur of pink galloping through the countryside.

For a group of around 15 horseriders will be dressing in their favourite colour to raise money for cancer treatment at Wythenshawe Hospital.

Laura Palin, an ICT technician at Sandbach High School and Sixth Form College, came up with the idea as her mum Lesley, 46, was diagnosed with the disease on January 10.

The 19-year-old and her friends will embark on the 10 mile journey in Middlewich on February 16.

They will even be dressing their horses in pink and some will take part in fancy dress with Laura dressing as Cupid.

“I’m sure people will be confused by the spectacle of it but it’s all in a good cause,” she said.

Laura has been riding since she was four and her current horse Tedley has a strong connection with her family.

This is because her aunt Helen died in childbirth 16 years ago.

The horse is named after her son Edward and when he competes he is known as Helen’s Boy.

“For my mum it’s a way of remembering her sister,” added Laura.

“She cried when I told her I was doing this. She said she was really proud of me.

“We’ve got a close knit family and when something like this happens we all pull together.”

Laura told the Guardian that some her friends have poked fun at her for dressing her male horse Tedley in pink.

On the day he will have a pink mane, pink tail and pink rug.

Laura said: “Some of my friends think I’m mean, others think it’s hilarious but that won’t stop me. He’ll be as pink as I can make him.”

To pledge your support visit justgiving.com/LauraPalin