By JARROD MCALEESE
A FUND-RAISER organised by the Cranbourne Club has seen over $5000 raised for Emma Booth, the Paralympic Equestrian rider who is on the dressage squad competing in Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Paralympic Games.
Booth was involved in a horrific car crash on the way back from an event in Albury in April 2013 that left her a paraplegic, but that did not deter her.
She was back on a horse within six months of the accident.
At the event held at the Cranbourne races, Booth spoke about her life, her accident and her determination to get back on top the saddle, and Scott Brown, one of the organisers of the function and a family friend of Booth, said he and the club were more than happy to help contribute to the cause.
“We have four functions a year; we pick out a charity at each function and donate money raised on the day to that charity.
“We always had plans to run one for Emma when it got closer to the Rio Games, when we knew she had a chance to get into the team.
“Once we knew what her goal was, we were more than willing to help,” Mr Brown said.
Cr Geoff Ablett was in attendance and spoke volumes of Booth’s character and perseverance.
“It was one of the most moving stories of courage and resilience I have ever listened to. You just hung on every word and you could have heard a pin drop,” Cr Ablett said.
And Cr Ablett was also full of praise for Brown’s efforts, in conjunction with Luke King and Silvio Marinelli, in co-ordinating the night.
He said $5,100 was raised on the night due to the organisation of Scott Brown from Brown’s Sawdust, who, he said, deserved a medal himself for his absolute generosity and commitment to the Booth family he had known for a long time.
The Cranbourne Club is free for anyone to join at a cost for $500 per year, which includes four nights of racing, food and beverages. The aim of the club is to help individuals such as Emma. Those interested can call Luke King at the Cranbourne Turf Club for more information.
