The harness racing industry has rallied around Cessnock trainer Andrew Stapleford and his 21 year old daughter Sophie who underwent surgery today (Monday) to have a brain tumour removed. The friends and family of Sophie were amazed at the response from the industry and HRNSW CEO John Dumesny applauded everyone that has helped out.
"The harness racing industry is like a big family and when a member of that family needs a helping hand then everyone is quick to do whatever they can," said Dumesny.
"On Friday HRNSW donated a NSW Breeders Challenge Owners Bonus Certificate for auction at the fundraising night organised for Sophie in Cessnock on August 1 and over the weekend there have been a number of people who have made donations to the cause."
A fundraising campaign had been created on mycause.com.au for Sophie with the goal of raising $40,000 to help pay for some of the costs associated with the operation and rehabilitation. These were estimated to be between $60,000 and $80,000.
By Monday afternoon the amount raised on the website totalled more than $21,000.
While the fundraising night is still two months away, popular owner Rob Nalder has already started the bidding on the $3,000 bonus certificate.
"I read the story and it is obviously a very hard time for Sophie at the moment so I would like to put in an opening bid of $4,000 for the NSW Breeders Challenge Owners Bonus Certificate," said Nalder.
"I would encourage any other owners or breeders that would like to become involved in raising some money for the Stapleford family to throw in a bid for the certificate because it is going to a very good cause."
Anyone interested in placing a bid for the certificate can email ghayes@hrnsw.com.au
Trainer/driver Guy Chapple confirmed a set of signed McCarthy colours would be auctioned at the Cessnock Leagues Club on August 1 at the fundraising night.
"We've spoken with Luke (McCarthy) and he is going to donate a set of his colours and sign them and I am going to get them framed," said Chapple.
"Sophie is a very good soccer player and there will be a number of people interested in soccer at the fundraising night so I'm going to try and get my hands on a signed soccer jersey as well to raise some more money."
Fundraising coordinator Anthony Burke praised everyone that has become involved.
"It is great to see the money that has been raised so far for Sophie and if anyone would like to donate items for the fundraising evening please contact me on 0439 601 852," said Burke.
Greg Hayes