A FUNDRAISER who faced her fears has donated more than £600 to the North Hampshire Medical Fund (NHMF).

Retired Gloria Davis, of Woolford Way, took up the challenge of riding a horse to raise money for NHMF and The Pink Place – despite being terrified of mules.

Gloria rode Archie for more than three miles around Portland Farm into the village of North Waltham last month and was invited to meet representatives of the NHMF to hand over a cheque of £601.50.

She met with Judith Charmer, fund manager at NHMF, and Mary Edwards, chief executive of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Gloria also donated £50 to The Pink Place.

Gloria, 76, said: “Raising all this money has made me even more proud of facing my fears and riding the horse.

“It’s important for me to raise money for me and to donate it to the NHS because four of my friends are being treated for cancer so it was good to help them out.

“It all started in my garden in June when I was having a party with the girls and before I knew it, I had raised over £600 and was riding a horse – I couldn’t believe it.

“I’m really thankful and happy for all the donations – regardless of whether it was £50 or £1; it all goes to a good cause and has been very much appreciated by both the NHMF and The Pink Place.”

NHMF are is a group that raises funds for advanced medical equipment for Basingstoke hospital that is outside of the NHS budget and The Pink Place is a charity based at Taylor’s Hair and Beauty Salon, in Wote Street, which aims to assist the wellbeing of those who have experience or are experiencing cancer in the North Hampshire area. 

Mrs Edwards said: “I’d like to say a big thank you to Gloria for facing her fear of horses to raise this money for the NHMF.

“She is an absolute inspiration and it was a pleasure to meet her.

“The money will be used to help supply Basingstoke hospital with the latest medical equipment, making a real difference to patients.”

For more information about The Pink Place visit thepinkplace.org.uk and for North Hampshire Medical Fund go to nhmedicalfund.org.