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Wincanton Racecourse hosts a Charity Race Day every
year and they have been hugely successful. In 2022 the day will be in aid of La Folia, a Salisbury-based music charity, in recognition of the challenges facing young people in the era of reality television and social media, and exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.  La Folia’s
Singing Trust has inspired many young people (including those who are disabled or have special needs) to achieve things way beyond their own expectations.  It achieves this by providing opportunities
for young writers and performers to work alongside leading professionals to create new music, original projects and ground-breaking performances.  The aims and objectives of La Folia are entirely consistent with the philosophy and ethos of our late daughter Katie, who died of secondary breast cancer in May 2018 aged 31, while head of music at Furze Platt Senior School (FPSS) in Maidenhead. 
Katie was no stranger to Wincanton Racecourse: she loved going racing there and participated in many South & West Wilts Pony Club summers camps at the racecourse.

The following extracts from the books of condolence exemplify the impact Katie had on her students, not only musically, but also more broadly.  For example:

-  “Miss Johnston was the most influential person in my life and I hope that I can do her proud with the achievements that are due to come my way”.

-  “I don’t know if she ever knew how inspiring she was and still is towards me.  She encouraged us all and made a huge impact on my confidence.  She taught me to live life to the fullest and never give up on my dreams “.

-  “Thank you for everything you have done for me throughout the years I have been at Furze Platt.  I want to make you proud, as you were one of the people who had faith in me.  You are a truly inspirational person.  Your enthusiasm and creativity is amazing and you always strive for perfection”.

-  “I have never been much of a musician, but somehow you made me believe I could.  Thanks to you I have found a new confidence which I could never be more grateful for.  Not only were you an inspiration to
everyone you met, but you showed us that nothing can stop you pursuing your dreams”.

“I strongly feel that this overriding desire to continue Katie’s legacy within Furze Platt is so poignant and rife.  Therefore, I am even more excited to take over the role of Glee Choir captain. … It’s this faith in me that made me feel unstoppable – Katie was especially excellent at making everyone feel unstoppable”.  

We are sad that you cannot join us at Wincanton on
Sunday 23 October this year, but please join us in spirit by donating
generously to this fundraising page for La Folia.  Thank you.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.