Race to Raise Funds for Charity

February 8th, 2007 - Media Statement

On a sweltering Saturday afternoon, Ascot played host to the hottest charity event this summer, raising more than $40,000 for the Nedlands-based Scott Kirkbride Melanoma Research Centre.

Held on February 3, the lively event attracted 1,200 guests who braved the heat to support skin cancer.

The day reached its peak at race seven which was named in honour of the Centre. The SKMRC Challenge Stakes saw patrons jumping from their seats in the grandstand, cheering their horse across the finish line. After the race, awards were presented to the winning owner and jockey by Scott Kirkbride's brother, Nick.

In the lead up to the climactic race, the door prize draw saw Elizabeth Newnham of Dalkeith win a motorised scooter and Mark Leahy of Mt Pleasant take his pick from two tickets to the AFL Grand Final or a trip to the Dubai World Cup.

Money for the Centre was raised through $50 ticket sales and a generous donation from the SKMRC Challenge Stakes race winners.

The Centre, based at the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research (WAIMR) was established in March 2005 in memory of Scott Kirkbride, a young Mt Claremont golfer who died from melanoma at the age of 27, who also worked at the Wembley Golf Complex.

WAIMR Director Professor Peter Klinken said the success of the event was a tribute to many, but was a direct result of the tireless efforts of Peter Collins, Joanne Drew from Perth Racing and Scott Kirkbride's mother Yvonne.

He also extended his thanks to Jeff Newman for compering the day and to ABC Local Radio Western Australia for helping promote the event.

For more information please contact:
Natalie Papadopoulos
Media Consultant for the WA Institute for Medical Research
Mobile: 0407 984 435
Office: (08) 9381 8237