A HORSERACING legend will join the final charge of a charity campaign poised to raise £20,000 for charity.

 

Irish National Hunt racehorse trainer and former jockey Jonjo O’Neill has pledged his support for Stow-on-the-Wold RFC’s #CarryMeHomeKate campaign.

 

Campaign organisers challenged the community to dream up wacky ways to ‘pass’ the oversized Gilbert-made ball in the run-up to the Rugby World Cup.

 

The drive is in aid of north Cotswolds charity Kate’s Home Nursing, which needs £280,000 a year to carry on caring for terminally ill people in their own homes.

 

#CarryMeHomeKate is inspiring supporters from schoolchildren to senior citizens to become hands-on, triggering generous donations.

 

On August 28, Jonjo, his family, jockeys, horses and staff at his north Cotswolds racing yard will take part in their own unique ‘pass’ of the iconic ball on its last leg of its journey.

 

A trainer with the Midas touch, Jonjo was the force behind racehorse Don’t Push It which won the 2010 Grand National ridden by AP McCoy. And in March 2012 Jonjo saw his horse Synchronised win the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

 

The now-famous rugby ball has been passed by water polo players, ballerinas, quarry diggers, and a fleet of mobility scooters, among others.

 

Each event is filmed so people can watch the ball’s adventures and progress on the official website www.facebook.com/CarryMeHomeKate.

 

Kate’s Home Nursing played a vital part in the life of campaign chairman Sean Clarke.

 

His father, Christopher, received palliative care for six weeks before he passed away in 1998.

 

“A lot of people aren’t aware of these nurses before it’s too late,” stressed Sean. “But they offer a safety net and a warm embrace.

 

“They don’t just do wonderful work looking after the patient but also support the family, rather like osmosis, just by being there.

 

“They take a huge weight off your shoulders by giving practical help, such as showing how to lift someone out of bed. They also help you emotionally, without being in your face.”

 

A host of county celebrities have signed the ball – later to be auctioned - including Cotswolds-based Olympic gold medal-winning dressage rider Carl Hester; BBC DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles; BBC Countryfile presenter Adam Henson and star Gloucester players Elliott Stooke, Tom Savage, Jacob Rowan and Mark Atkinson.

 

Donations can be made and wrist bands purchased on www.justgiving.com/CarryMeHomeKate.

 

People can also donate by texting RUGB50 with the amount to 70070.

 

Events can still be held right up to Stow RFC’s Family Fun Day climax on September 6, by contacting the website or 07867 121 122.