Park Lane Stables RDA, in Teddington, London, has achieved its ambitious crowd funding target of £1 million. The group has been fundraising to try to buy the stables, since their landlord announced he was not planning to extend their lease.
With only a week to go until their crowd funder deadline, coverage on BBC Breakfast inspired a tidal wave of donations, with almost half a million pounds being raised in just over two hours.
Just after the target had been reached, an updated message appeared from the group on their crowd funder page: “Thank you so much for all of your support so far. The big donations have been fantastic and lifted our spirits every time, but to those who pledged their pocket money, and all the people who gave £5 and £10 and said ‘sorry I can’t give more’, we and our staff and RDA riders would like to say a huge thank you. Between us we made it happen!”
RDA UK’s Head of Communication & Insight said: “We are delighted and so excited for the trustees, volunteers, staff, riders and ponies of Park Lane Stables RDA. Congratulations to everyone involved – and a massive thank you to all those who pledged their support.
This campaign has helped to highlight the vital part played by RDA groups like Park Lane all over the UK, enriching lives through horses. With most of our groups still closed in lockdown, and thousands of riders desperate to get back to their ponies, this good news will be a boost to the whole organisation.
“The next part of the journey will be ensuring a smooth transition and sustainable future for the group, and we will be working with the trustees to help and support them through this exciting new chapter.”