Sue Ryder Mascot Gold Cup Receives Major Boost as Recruitment Commences for 2014 Spectacular

KENT, ENGLAND, March 07, 2014 (Press-News.org) The annual recruitment of mascots to the world's largest Mascot Race at Wetherby Races has begun with the announcement of a three year main sponsorship deal with international financial services organisation Foresters.

Foresters have been main sponsors of the event since 2009 and have recently signed up to be main sponsors for a further three years including the 2014 event on 13th April.

The event which is always a favourite amongst the 'Family day' crowd at Wetherby was first run in 2006 since when it has raised over GBP110,000 for good causes with the Lion's share going to national healthcare charity Sue Ryder who organise the event.

Andrew Wood who came up with the idea is still involved with organising the event and is delighted to have secured a three year sponsorship deal for the race. He said, this sponsorship allows us to think long term and hopefully grow the race even larger than ever."

Steve Dilworth, Managing Director, Member Network UK, Foresters is looking forward to the 2014 event. He said, "Foresters are proud to be able to sponsor the Mascot Gold Cup and provide further support through our member volunteers, who are a great help with fundraising and organising on the day of the event.

"The Mascot Race at Wetherby is always full of fun, and it is wonderful to see so many participants and families out enjoying themselves in aid of such a great cause. We are very much looking forward to the race in 2014 and seeing the mascots battle it out in a bid to win the race and help raise much-needed funds for Sue Ryder and the multiple other charities the race supports."

Last year's race was the most exciting ever with a close finish, a field of 90 mascots, a high number of fallers and a touch of controversy. Footage of the race can be seen at www.mascotgoldcup.org.uk. As is tradition a Mascot Parade will take place prior to the race itself as punters study the form of the cuddly characters and bet on them.

Presentations are also made at this time to the mascot judged as 'Best in Parade' and the best on the day's theme of the Tour de France Grand depart Yorkshire 2014.

Also returning is the hilarious 'One Minute Mascot Aerobic Warm Up' and the 'Mascot of the Year' sponsored by JCT600 will also be presented to a mascot that has done great work in their community.

At approximately 2:35pm fur will fly as mascots go for glory down the final furlong in front of the grandstands. Mascots are subjected to a handicapping system dependant on their size and en route to the finish line must hurdle, jump or fall over 6 fences.

For more information go to www.mascotgoldcup.org.uk. For more information on how to enter or how to nominate a mascot for the 'Mascot of the Year' award or to find which mascots from your area are taking part contact Andrew Wood by email: andrew.wood@sueryder.org.

ABOUT FORESTERS:
At Foresters we believe in enriching the lives of our members, their families and the communities they live in. We're member-based, family-focused, and community spirited.

Our products benefit both your family and your community. We champion the well-being of families through quality financial products, unique member benefits and inspiring community activities.

We share our financial strength with over one million members across the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. Throughout our 140-year history, our purpose has been to enrich the lives of members, their families and communities. The priorities remain today and will guide our future.

As an example, our work with Cash for Kids in their 2013 Mission Christmas Appeal helped over 278,000 children to have a better Christmas. The whole campaign raised GBP8m and involved 1,463 Foresters volunteers.

Forester Life is responsible for funds under management of over GBP2.9bn* and is part of Foresters, the international financial services organisation.

Internationally, Foresters has over GBP14bn* funds under management and has been assigned an 'A' excellent rating by A.M. Best.**

Safeguarding our members' interests is at the heart of what we do. Being financially strong and responsive, with sound governance and continuing professional service have always helped us to protect our members' benefits.

*As at 31st December 2013

**An 'A' excellent rating is assigned to companies that have a strong ability to meet their ongoing obligations to policyholders and have, on balance, excellent balance sheet strength, operating performance and business profile when compared to the standards established by A.M. Best Company. In assigning Foresters rating A.M. Best stated that Foresters outlook rating is 'stable', which means it is unlikely to change in the near future, assuming Foresters financial strength is maintained and operations grow. A.M. Best assigns rating from A++ to F, A++ being superior and A and A- being excellent ratings. This rating was assigned on 3rd July 2013. Our International Head Office is located at 789 Don Mills Road, Toronto, Canada M3C 1T9.