‘Horsey hugs' delivered to Hospice

Ahead of the Sky Bet Ebor Festival, former winner and York Racecourse Equine Ambassador, Goldream, paid a special visit to St Leonard’s Hospice.

Patients from the Hospice and their families, along with volunteers, nurses and doctors received a ‘horsey hug’ from Goldream, who is now known as Remy, having joined the racehorse rehoming and retraining charity New Beginnings after retiring from racing.  Remy, who during his career won nearly £600,000, brought along his friend Poppy the Pony.

The clinical team at St Leonard’s ensured patients were able to experience the benefit of being close to a horse by moving their wheelchair or bed to the Hospice entrance.  Two of the patients Josephine, joined by her husband and daughter Holly, as well as Diane, were gently nuzzled by the equine pair, and were visibly uplifted by meeting them.

Frances Pantin, Occupational Therapist at St Leonards Hospice commented:

“We were absolutely thrilled to have a special visit from Remy and Poppy. It certainly brightened up our day and created some very special memories for Diane, Josephine and her family. Thank you to York Racecourse and New Beginnings for taking the time to organise the visit and creating a very memorable day for us all.”

The visit even made the front page of the York Press!