Racing Welfare makes new Welfare Team appointments for Epsom and the South

Following a recruitment process, Kathryn Ferguson (Katy) starts in post as the new Welfare Officer for Epsom and South-East on 8th June. Katy has an excellent understanding of the industry as she has previously held posts as an Apprentice Jockey, Work Rider and Assistant Trainer. Simone Sear, Head of Welfare at Racing Welfare said “Katy has an excellent awareness and empathy of the issues she is likely to be dealing with in her new role and is very aware that raising Racing Welfare’s profile is high on the agenda. We greatly look forward to her joining the team.”

Lizzie Harris from the charity’s Lambourn based team has been appointed as the new Regional Welfare Manager for the South which includes both the racing centres of Lambourn and Epsom as well as the wider area. Racing Welfare has also appointed Jason Cooke in the Lambourn area as a Welfare Officer. Simone Sear said “Jason also joins us with racing knowledge as a previous Conditional Jockey and Work Rider with great people experience. He is already settling well into his position and we are thrilled to have him as part of the team”.

Demand for Racing Welfare’s services have increased greatly during the past 12 months. Increasing the numbers of people working within the Southern Welfare Team mean that the charity has far greater capacity to cover the Epsom and South-East area going forwards. In a three-year business plan created in November 2015, it was identified that improving the national accessibility of Welfare Officers would support the charity’s vision that no-one from the thoroughbred racing and breeding community is left unsupported and that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

ENDS………..

Press contact

Rachel Cawley rcawley@racingwelfare.co.uk 01638 560763

Notes to Editors

Racing Welfare is a UK-wide charity whose headquarters are in Newmarket. It serves the needs of racing personnel from the beginning of their careers through to retirement. The wide range of help provided includes provision of affordable housing, mentoring schemes for young workers, advice for those coping with illness and disabilities; through to specialist counselling and support at times of need or personal crisis.