The Sandown Park Princess Alice Hospice partnership has become increasingly important at a time when every penny counts. The hospice, located a short distance from the Esher track on West End Lane, supports more than 1,000 people in the community at any one time. That level of care requires more than ÂŁ12 million each year, and with only 20 percent of its charitable activity costs covered by the NHS, the remaining funding must be found through other sources.
Sandown Park has not offered direct financial support, but it has provided a platform that helps the hospice raise essential funds. The racecourse has hosted bucket collections after raceday events and has allowed the hospice to use its grounds for the annual Santa Fun Run. These opportunities have become a significant benefit to one of Esher’s most important services.
According to Claire Woodward, Community Partnerships and Events Lead, bucket collections after racedays generated notable donations and helped raise awareness. She explained that engaging with people at the racecourse also allowed the hospice team to meet those who had received care. Around three years ago, the collaboration became even closer.
The hospice asked to hold its Santa Fun Run on the Sandown Park grounds, and for the past two years the event has taken place there, with about one hundred and fifty people dressed as Santa running a five-kilometre course around the paddock and stands. Combined with the event at Bushy Park, the two runs raise around seventy thousand pounds each year. Sandown Park donates the space, reducing costs and improving the overall return.
The racecourse has also hosted the hospice’s Summer Fete & Dog Show for the past two years. The event previously took place on hospice grounds but became too large to manage there. Claire said the course offered more space, parking, and support, including marketing help through adverts in racecards, electronic screens, and social media.
The partnership has benefited Sandown Park as well. Attendees from The Man Shed, a space for patients, relatives, or the bereaved, took on the project of restoring the wooden horse ambulance at the track. The structure had fallen into poor condition, and a team from The Man Shed completed a full restoration earlier this year.
Claire described the significance of community engagement and awareness, noting that fundraising is crucial but so is ensuring that people understand the hospice is there for them. She added that the demographic attending horse racing may include individuals the hospice would not otherwise reach. Sandown Park’s team introduced her to the Esher Chamber of Commerce, leading to connections that have provided additional support.
Looking ahead, the hospice plans to hold this year’s Santa Fun Run on December 14th and hopes to return to Sandown Park for the Summer Fete and Dog Show next year. Claire noted that the team at the track, led by General Manager Sarah Drabwell, have been extremely supportive. Sandown Park will celebrate its 150th year in 2025 and will invite 150 people and horses who have had an impact on the venue to attend the Tingle Creek as a mark of appreciation.
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