Aintree Racecourse is offering a brand new hospitality experience to the HELP Appeal, the only charity in the country dedicated to funding hospital helipads, on the opening day of the Randox Health Grand National Festival 2018.
On Thursday 12 April, guests will be the first to experience the new venue and benefit from a completely unique view of the racing at ground level, whilst enjoying a champagne reception, brunch and traditional afternoon tea, ensuring this will be an unforgettable experience.
The HELP Appeal recently covered the entire cost of Aintree University Hospital’s helipad, which the Duke of Cambridge visited in 2017. Already there have been 47 landings on the new helipad, which gives critically ill patients immediate access to the emergency care they urgently need. The charity will also fund its upkeep in the future. The proceeds from this event will help fund the 24 helipads in the pipeline, including the Royal Liverpool Hospital’s helipad, which is due to open in 2020.
Tom Weston, former jockey and racehorse trainer knows more than most about the importance of hospital helipads. He was airlifted to Bristol Southmead’s helipad, which was funded by the HELP Appeal, after falling from Benbane Head in the penultimate race at Cheltenham Festival and puncturing both lungs after being kicked by several horses. Tom says:
“Getting to a hospital quickly was essential to my survival and recovery. The air ambulance and having a helipad beside the emergency department definitely helped with that.
“It would be reassuring for jockeys to know that if they ever need lifesaving treatment, they can get to a hospital swiftly and that’s why more hospital helipads are needed across the country.”
Michael Henriques, HELP Appeal trustee and Jockey Club member said: “We are very grateful to Aintree Racecourse for letting the HELP Appeal have this very special venue for the opening day of the Grand National Festival. It’s very exciting that those who take a table with us, will be the very first to experience this new hospitality.
“The HELP Appeal is offering one of the best value for money hospitality experiences across the entire festival and knowing that a buying a table will help to fund more helipads across the country, including the Royal Liverpool Hospital’s, means there’s even more reason for people to come along.”
Tables of ten are £1350 (£1500 for a premium table) and include:
• Entrance tickets
• Champagne reception, brunch and afternoon tea
• Two complimentary VIP parking passes for each table in the owners and trainers’ car park
• Guests will be able to view the horses’ wash down area after each race
• Close access to parade ring and winner’s enclosure
• Private Tote betting
• Complimentary racecard
• Charity auction
• Private cash bar with waitress service
• Your base for the entire day
To reserve a table email info@helpappeal.org.uk or telephone 0800 3898 999.