Raby Castle will be opening the gates to its beautiful Deer Park on the first day of the new year, so friends and families can enjoy a leisurely stroll in the fresh air across the grounds – and raise money for Raby’s chosen charity of 2022, the Brain Tumour Charity.
Raby is encouraging people to get their walking boots on and start the new year with a refreshing, socially distanced amble through the wide-open space of the estate’s parkland which is home two species of deer; Red Deer, the largest British wild land mammal, and the smaller Fallow Deer.
Volunteers from the Brain Tumour Charity will be on hand at the start of the outdoor walk so all attendees can make a donation that will go towards the organisation and its integral work.
The Stables Café will be open on the day too, serving takeaway food and a selection of delicious hot and cold drinks for walkers to enjoy during the event, and young walkers can burn off any remaining energy at Raby’s woodland play area that is nestled amongst the castle’s vast woodlands.
Four-legged friends don’t have to miss out on the walk as dogs on a lead are also welcome – or alternatively can join Raby’s free New Year’s Day dog walk at 11.30am in the Coach Yard.
Sophie Brown, events manager at Raby Castle said: “We’ve hosted New Year’s Day walks here at Raby before and they have always proved popular as a fantastic way to start the new year.
“Not only can people enjoy the incredible scenery across our park, but they can do so knowing that they are helping a worthwhile cause – it’s a really great incentive and what a positive way to begin 2022.”
Raby has selected the Brain Tumour Charity as its chosen charity for next year after a Teesdale farmer and Raby tenant, Richard Scott, sadly passed away after being diagnosed with a low-grade glioma brain tumour six years ago.
Helen Scott, Richard’s wife commented: “To hear that Raby is putting on this fundraising event for an organisation that is so close to our hearts is incredibly moving and we are extremely grateful.
“We hope the walk has a brilliant turnout and the attendees enjoy their time at Raby – their donations will help so many people and families like ours.”
All proceeds of the New Year’s Day walk will be given to the world’s leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally.
The Brain Tumour Charity’s community fund-raiser for the North East, Helen Rogers added: “Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of the under 40s and survival rates have not improved significantly over the last 40 years. We are leading the way in changing this by fighting brain tumours on all fronts.
“We receive no government funding and rely 100% on voluntary donations, so it’s only through the thoughtfulness of businesses like Raby Estates, and people’s generous support, that we can change these shocking statistics in the future and bring hope to the thousands of people who are diagnosed with a brain tumour every year.”
The park will be open on New Year’s Day to walk in support of the charity between 10am and 4pm. Raby’s Deer Park, play area and café will be open every day from 10am in the new year, and from Sunday 2nd January normal admission prices will apply.
For further information, visit: www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle
