Injured Jockey Fund, Graham Lee Auction
£35,500 raised
Online fundraising auction
Injured Jockeys Fund raises £40,000 for Graham Lee
Following the life-sustaining injuries suffered by the hugely popular, Galway-born North Yorkshire-based rider Graham Lee, the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) and supporters have turned once again to National Funding Scheme to provide a national online auction from his supporters and well wishers.
The money raised was managed by the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) and went directly to the 47-year-old rider. Lots included mornings on the gallops with trainers like Paul Nicholls, Karl Burke, Harry Derham, Donald McCain and Fergal O’Brien. In addition, there were stud tours as well as racecourse hospitality packages. There was also a chance to play a four-ball round of golf with retired champion jockey Sir AP McCoy.
A silent auction was held on the DONATE platform throughout December 2023 with the last bid taking place at 9pm on 16th December. Participants were encouraged to pariticpiate through both IJF communication, the racing community and social media. Lots were donated across the riding community with retired jockey and IJF President AP McCoy offering a round of golf to raise funds. That lot alone secured £2650 for the cause.
The DONATE™ platform provided the Trust with the service it needed to maximise fundraising. Each lot was shown off to its best effect and bidding was possible on mobiles and iPads as well as desktops. Participants were alerted to being outbid either through online messages, text and email and, where applicable, Gift Aid was added to increase the amount raised. Beyond the auction functionality, additional one-off and regular donations provided opportunities for all to make individual donations.
