Founded in 2014, My Sisters’ House is a West Sussex women’s centre. They support any self-identifying woman to improve their welfare and wellbeing, reducing their risk of domestic abuse and supporting recovery. Operating across Arun and Chichester, with two hubs embedded in the communities, they also work to help women reach their goals for future employment, education or training through the Thrive Employability programme.

Over 600 women a month are helped by My Sisters’ House and demand for their services continues to rise, particularly since the cost-of-living crisis. Founded by a group of like-minded local women, with tiny premises, and only a few volunteers, the team supported 35 clients in 2015. Now in their tenth year of operations, My Sisters’ House has over 30 staff and 50 volunteers. They supported a record number of new clients in 2023, reaching an unprecedented 1756.

Lucy Budge, CEO of My Sisters’ House, said: “We are beyond delighted to be the chosen charity of the Markel Magnolia Cup this year. As a local charity, run by women, for women, we love what the Magnolia Cup stands for, and has achieved, in terms of championing women and women's opportunities. We're excited to work with Goodwood and Markel on this wonderful event, which will make such a difference to us as a charity, and to the rapidly growing numbers of vulnerable woman we support in the local community.”

On Thursday, 1 August, twelve dedicated amateur jockeys will ride in the Markel Magnolia Cup following months of intensive training.

In 2019, the race captured the eyes of the world when Khadijah Mellah galloped to glory up Goodwood’s home straight. Mellah won in spectacular style just months after sitting on a horse for the first time at the Ebony Horse Club, a club that aims to transform young lives through horses in south London’s most disadvantaged communities.

Previous jockeys have included doctors, Olympians, CEOs, journalists, students, models, and presenters, among them Edie Campbell, Sara Cox and Vogue Williams.

Fundraising takes place through race and horse sponsorship, as well as at the Regency Ball, a stunning themed evening held at Goodwood House after the Markel Magnolia Cup.

Find out more about My Sisters' House here: https://www.mysistershouse.info/