Put your best wellies forward for St Ann’s!

Posh frocks and wellies are optional for the folk dance evening at the centre on Saturday, August 19, (7.30 pm) in aid of us.

Anita Allen, from Ellenbrook, took son James, who has autism, for weekly riding lessons at the school.

He enjoys going so much that he has undertaken work placements there during his animal care studies at Walkden College.

Sadly, his mum is no longer around to take him. Anita died of bowel cancer in October last year, aged 51, and spent her last few weeks as an inpatient at our Little Hulton site.

Ryders Farm decided to donate proceeds from the hoedown, when James (19) and older sisters Hayley and Jemma are guests of honour, to St Ann’s.

Organiser Louise Fitton, who works at Ryders Farm, said: “Anita was a familiar face here and is sadly missed. We want to give something back for the way the hospice cared for her. We’ve got so much respect for James. He’s a good friend of the centre and if you meet him you can’t help but love him.”

His dad Tim said: “James went to a disabled riding school where we used to live but was frustrated as activity was limited. After lessons at Ryders Farm, he’s now showing brilliant progress in his riding and is a more confident, capable rider.

“St Ann’s provided a lovely, calm and caring environment for Anita and we’re so grateful they made her last weeks as bearable as possible. The hospice only receives a third of its funding from the NHS so has to raise £16,000 every day to keep its doors open.”

* Hoedown tickets priced £10, including food, are available from Ryders Farm, through its Facebook page or email louise.fitton98@hotmail.co.uk. Hoedown sponsorship packages are available.

Entertainment includes Abba tribute band Abbaglamma, a DJ, bucking bronco and Glitterbox make-up stall. Refreshments from The Inflatable Pub Company. A raffle and auction will have prizes worth more than £1,000.