One of the country’s biggest charity clay shoots could be cancelled for the first time in its 18-year history unless more teams sign up before the end of May.
The annual Barden Charity Clay Shoot, held near Leyburn, has raised around £300,000 for good causes since it was launched by the Birch family in 2008 as a way of thanking charities which supported their daughter Molly, who has cerebral palsy.
The event, held on land near the family farm in Barden, has supported a range of charities over the years, with the past six events raising funds for Support Dogs.
The Yorkshire-based charity trains specialist assistance dogs for autistic children and adults with epilepsy or physical disabilities.
For the Birch family, the support has been life-changing.
Molly Birch, now 18 and a student at York College and St John’s Catholic Specialist School, has cerebral palsy, which affects her balance and use of her hands, reduces her concentration and makes it difficult for her to walk far unaided.
Her assistance dog, Chess, has been trained to pick up dropped items, help with balance, fetch help if Molly falls, open and close drawers and doors, fetch shoes and splints, and even help remove her coat.
Molly also plays an active role in organising the shoot and sits on the event committee.
But organisers say the future of the event is now in doubt unless more participants come forward.
Kevin Birch said: “The event is due to take place on Sunday 28 June, but if we haven’t got enough teams signed up by the end of May, we will have to reconsider.
“The event is so important to the charity which desperately needs to raise as much money as possible so it can help more families in the same way that it has helped ours. If we have to pull the plug on the event altogether, it would be completely devastating to so many.”
Last year more than 60 teams took part in the shoot, but organisers say at least another 15 teams are needed this year for the event to go ahead.
Danny Anderson, head of fundraising at Support Dogs, said: “A huge thanks to those who have already signed up.
“We’re preparing for what should be a fantastic event, but we urgently need the public’s help to make it happen. Without an additional 15 teams signing up before the end of May, it will not be able to go ahead this year.
“If you’re able to help by encouraging colleagues, friends or contacts to enter a team, it would make a huge difference. We would love more people to join us as we mark the final year of the Barden Charity Clay Shoot in style.”
The shoot takes place on Sunday, June 28, with a top prize of £1,000.
Entry costs £500 per team of four, with 500 clays available. Cash prizes of £1,000, £500 and £250 will be awarded to the top three teams, while the highest-placed ladies’ team will receive four pairs of boots from The Original Muck Boot Company.
There will also be food and refreshments throughout the day, a bar from noon, raffle, tombola, pool shoot and a “have-a-go” archery competition.
All participants must be shotgun certificate holders and aged over 16.
Pre-register at www.bardenclayshoot.co.uk.
For more information, please email bardencharityclayshoot@gmail.com
To find out more about the incredible work of Support Dogs, please visit www.supportdogs.org.uk or call 0114 2617800.
