28 June 2019

Francesca's fundraising is flying high!

We always love to celebrate our fantastic fundraisers here at Redwings as their kind support is what enables us to continue our work rescuing and rehabilitating horses in need.

One such fundraiser is Redwings supporter and lifestyle blogger Francesca Simes who decided to take fundraising for us to new heights when she decided to do a skydive!

Explaining why she chose to fundraise for Redwings, Francesca said: “I first visited Redwings a couple of years ago when I was really struggling with my anxiety. I always felt most comfortable around horses so my dad arranged to take me there. It was one of the first public places I went to, but I fell in love with the place and was inspired by the care given to the rescued horses and donkeys to help them overcome their difficult pasts.

"I decided to challenge myself to do something completely out of my comfort zone to raise money for Redwings and jumping out of a plane seemed to fit the bill!”

As well as wanting to help the horses living at Redwings, Francesca has also rehomed a rescued horse of her own, RSPCA Adie, and said that helped to make her fundraising even more personal as she knew how closely Redwings and the RSPCA work together on large rescues.

In January this year, Francesca kicked off her fundraising efforts in earnest by organising lots of events including bakes days, raffles and an Easter Egg hunt. She also set up her own JustGiving page so friends and family could sponsor her big jump!

She said: “Redwings couldn’t do enough to help the fundraising go smoothly and checked in on me to make sure I had enough leaflets, sponsorship forms and anything else I needed which was great as I really felt like they were behind me!”

Speaking about her skydive, Francesca added: “The night before I couldn’t eat my dinner I was so nervous, and it’s not like me to leave food! However, once we were up in the air and flying at the right height I didn’t have chance to think about how frightened I was as we were already jumping out and flying through the air! It was the most amazing experience and I enjoyed every single minute of it and would 100% do it again!

“Three weeks after my jump and I had raised a total of just under £700 which I was ecstatic about! I know that every penny of this will go towardst the care of the residents at Redwings and I am so glad that everyone got behind me to raise money for this amazing charity that I hold so dear to my heart!”

Have you been inspired to fundraise for Redwings? You don't have to be as daring as Francesca, but every penny raised will go towards helping us care for our 1,500 rescued horses, ponies, donkey and mules. We're here to help you too! Whether you have a question about fundraising or just need some encouragement along the way, please get in touch by emailing info@redwings.co.uk or phoning us on 01508 481000.