The national charity RALPHH has met the call of a riding school for the disabled to have its own on-site defibrillator. The gift of equipment to the West Norfolk Riding School for the Disabled recognises the need to have such potentially life-saving equipment close to hand in a rural part of Norfolk, just south of King’s Lynn. This is the first time that RALPHH has assisted an equestrian centre and the link has come about through the charity helping Ouse Amateur Sailing Club in 2023.
West Norfolk Riding School for the Disabled is intensively used by people from across Norfolk, Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire. It was established 90 years ago, with one of its main buildings known as The Magpie Centre – named after a favourite horse of the organiser’s creator. Users include those from schools and residential care centres, including those with dementia. As well as riding, the service provides horse and carriage rides and even the opportunity to have afternoon tea in the company of one of the ponies.
People referred to the School are assessed for their safety and ability to interact with the horses. On this basis they are included in either private or group lessons. The establishment with its 12 horses is open five days plus two evenings each week. The annual financial cost of £209,000 is met from private lessons and donation, such as those from the National Lottery and Children in Need.
Volunteers play a major role in making the school operational. “We are really pleased to be supporting the West Norfolk Riding School for the Disabled and know that its existence makes an important difference to people of all ages”, said Richard Allen, Chairman
of RALPHH. “As a sport-based charity we understand that so many clubs and societies have to balance the quality of the experiences they can provide with appropriate safeguarding and safety features. Clearly, we hope that the defibrillator we have provided will never need to be used, but it is a valuable insurance should the unexpected occur.”
RALPHH – which takes its name from the late Robert Allen – has been very active across differing amateur sports and locations across East Anglia in the last year. Although the charity was initially established to assist the sport of rowing, the spread of clubs that have benefits from equipment each worth over £1,000 include sailing, hockey, rugby and shooting.
Included in the picture with Richard Allen and horse Daphne are: Yard Manager Natalie Dade, volunteers Ann Lee and Shirley Richards. Accepting the defibrillator on behalf of the School in Scilla Ash, trustee and volunteer.
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