THE Irish Pony Club has begun a huge fundraiser for the Irish Cancer Society with the goal of raising €52,000.

“This all came about when a pony club mum was diagnosed with cancer and I thought why don’t we have a fundraiser - my initial plan was for a show jumping afternoon and if we raised €2,000 wouldn’t that be great.

“I spoke to a few people and this is where we ended up - a goal of €52,000! We launched last weekend at the hunter trial championships in Crecora,” said Katie Tobin who is on the IPC fundraising committee.

Vital funds

With 52 clubs across the country, the goal is to raise €52,000 to support vital cancer research and services. Highlights of the fundraising drive will include a parent’s dinner dance on November 1st in Kilkenny (venue TBC), exclusive IPC/Irish Cancer Society merchandise and a District Commissioners’/instructors’ ice bucket challenge.

Clubs are encouraged to organise their own fundraisers throughout the year to contribute to the national goal.

“We really hope for buy-in from all clubs and whatever they raise it will all go to the Irish Cancer Society. The aim is to make it fun for the children - lots are very interested in the DC Ice bucket challenge at camp! - while making them aware of the vital work the Irish Cancer Society does. The GoFundMe page is open so anyone can donate - they don’t have to be involved in the Pony Clubs,” Tobin added.

To donate, visit www.gofundme.com and search ‘Irish Pony Club’.