£20,000 donation to local charities
Clive Reid, AFB patron, made history on Friday 29 May, by being the first person to stick and ball on the Club’s new high goal Princes’ Ground. Reid secured the opportunity by bidding an incredible £10,000 to the Club’s auction and then upon arrival, Reid promptly doubled his bid to ensure both of the designated charities (The Dash Charity and Wexham Park Hospital) received £10,000 each!
It is still possible for you to also donate to this charity appeal, just email James Neighbour here. Reid commented, “I just wanted to thank the NHS for what it has done over the past few months, it has been amazing, it is so hard for all charities at this time so why not donate if you can. I am honoured to have been the first person to stick & ball on this ground. It was absolutely amazing, a great experience.
Polo is played at such a speed that the quality of the grounds are so important for the health of the horses. Guards Polo Club has invested in its grounds and the Princes’ Ground is now one of the best grounds in England.” Representatives from both organisations were at Smith’s Lawn on Friday, adhering to the Club’s strict social distancing rules, to receive their cheques. For both charities it was their first visit to Guards, but they are hoping to be able to return on Sunday 2 August when the Club is offering a complimentary day out at polo for all local NHS workers and their families (if government regulations allow). Sue Veltri, the head nurse at Wexham Park Hospital’s Emergency Assessment Centre said, “We would like to thank Clive Reid and Guards Polo Club for their donation. The money will go towards an outside terrace on the third floor of the unit so that all the staff can enjoy their breaks in a comfortable setting, out in the fresh air.
Words cannot express how grateful we are.”Alison Bourne, Chief Executive of The Dash Charity, revealed what Clive’s generosity meant to them, “We at The Dash Charity cannot thank Clive and The Guards Polo Club enough for this fantastic donation. We are a small, local charity providing critical support to the residents of the Royal Borough [of Windsor and Maidenhead] and have never been busier in our 42-year history. Donations like this enable us to provide support to more women, men and children in the Borough and we look forward to a great partnership with the Club in the future. Thank you!”
Photograph: Clive Reid donated £20,000 to be the first person to stick & ball on the new high goal Princes’ Ground.
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