A TYNESIDE businessman who has become one of the biggest single supporters of the region’s air ambulance is preparing to host his latest fundraiser at the races.
Tom Robson, who runs Roflow, an environmental engineering firm in Jarrow, will sponsor the Sedgefield Racecourse Ladies Evening and use the event to raise money for the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).
Mr Robson, who contributed £10,600 to the charity last year, will take over a suite at the County Durham course for the duration of the evening, on Thursday 25 August.
Guests will enjoy entertainment from Lorraine Crosby, a former contestant on The Voice, who also featured on Meatloaf’s I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That). Vernon Kaye will DJ the after party for all racecourse guests following the racing.
An overnight stay and champagne dinner at Langley Castle is the top prize in the raffle.
All of the money raised will go to support GNAAS, which operates three helicopters across the North-East, North Yorkshire and Cumbria.
Mr Robson’s fundraising for GNAAS began after the charity airlifted his dying mother to hospital, giving him precious time to say goodbye.
He said: “I’m buzzing to be helping GNAAS again. I’ve seen first-hand why it needs our support. Sedgefield Racecourse Ladies Evening is always a good party and I’m looking forward to welcoming guests to the GNAAS suite.”
Grahame Pickering MBE, chief executive at GNAAS, paid tribute to Mr Robson, who he described as “one of the biggest single supporters in the charity’s history”.
He added: “Tom is not only a great supporter of the charity but a great ambassador too. The money he has raised has done so much good in the region, and we’d like to thank him for once again thinking of the charity.”
Tables in the charity suite have almost sold out but enquiries can be made by calling or by visiting www.sedgefield-racecourse.co.uk. The price is £70 per guest.
Tickets for other enclosures are still available from £10. Gates open at 3pm with the first race at 5pm.
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