Horsing around at Pendine helps raise money for African orphanage.

A piebald horse called Bailey was the star of the show at a Pendine Park fun day which raised money for an African orphanage.


Sky is the limit for residents at Pendine Park
During the day the impressive steed struck up a special friendship with Rachel Clarke, who was an accomplished show jumper and carriage driver before being struck down by Multiple Sclerosis.

The fun-filled afternoon in Wrexham also included bouncy castles, crazy golf and a coconut shy among the attractions.

For Rachel, 49, from Tarvin, in Cheshire, the chance to meet Bailey, owned by care practitioner Laura Shone, was a real boost.

Rachel, now a resident of Pendine Park's Bryn Bella care home, said: "I had my own horse, a thoroughbred called Sebastian. He was gorgeous and a big horse. I used to compete around North Wales and Cheshire and also did dressage. When I first knew I had MS and couldn't ride anymore I took up carriage driving while I was still able."

"The fun day was excellent and I so enjoyed getting close to a horse again. I think Bailey knew I loved horses as he nuzzled up to me. It was such a thrill."

"I've been at Bryn Bella since May 2016. At first I didn't know I had multiple sclerosis. I used to get tingling in my hands and feet and then started to lose my balance and had a few falls. Now I have to use permanently use a wheelchair and have lost the use of my hands as well as my feet."

"I have been married for 25 years to Llewelyn who is a non-emergency ambulance driver at Wrexham Maelor Hospital. He calls to see me just about every day and takes me out as often as we can."

"I enjoy the cinema and going to Mold's Theatre Clwyd. I also get to our home at Tarvin when I can. I love it at Bryn Bella though. The staff are amazing and so kind and helpful."

Rachel's parents, Norma and John Hagin, of Kinmel Bay, also attended the fun day and had a wonderful time.

Norma said: "We visit Rachel twice a week and also come along to special events like Saturday's fun day. It was a lovely event and everyone had a great time."