An Olympic Legend and the Raceday Season Finale - Two Unforgettable Best of British Events for the Starr Trust

October saw the local business community come together for two fantastic fundraising events hosted by our friends at Best of British Events, both raising vital funds for the young people we support at the Starr Trust.

Lunch with an Olympic legend in Tunbridge Wells

The month began on Friday 9th October with Best of British Tunbridge Wells at the Spa Hotel. Guests enjoyed a drinks reception and three-course lunch with a true 'Best of British': Daley Thompson CBE, widely considered Britain’s greatest ever Olympian. Daley shared stories of determination, resilience and life at the very top of world sport, told with plenty of humour. It was a fitting message for a charity dedicated to removing roadblocks for young people and helping them believe in what they can achieve. The atmosphere in the room was energetic, and the generosity shown in the auction was both enthusiastic and humbling in equal measures.

A day at the races in memory of Edward Starr

On Thursday 15th October, Best of British Raceday came to Brighton Racecourse for the Season Finale. Guests had exclusive use of the Silks Restaurant for a welcome drinks reception, a three-course lunch and tips from in-house tipster and former jockey Mattie Batchelor, all alongside a full afternoon of racing, business networking and views out across the sea. The day included a charity prize draw and silent auction in aid of the Starr Trust. Congratulations to Samuel Cash of Bennett Oakley Solicitors, who won the star prize of an exclusive owners’ experience, kindly donated by Brighton Racecourse!

The day held a very special place in our hearts. It was held in memory of the late Edward Starr, father of Starr Trust founders Rob and Tracey Starr. Edward was a professional on-course bookmaker his whole life, including at Brighton Racecourse itself, and he is remembered as a true gentleman by all who knew him. This year marks 20 years since his passing. To mark the occasion, a tribute featuring Edward’s photograph was shown on the big screen at the racecourse, a moving sight at the course where he had worked for so many years. It was a privilege for the Starr family to gather there and share his memory with friends old and new.

Speaking at the Brighton Racecourse event Rob Starr MBE, Founder of the Starr Trust charity, said:

“We can’t thank Ryan and his team enough for their support of the Starr Trust. Events like these make a real difference to the young people we work with, opening doors and creating opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. Today was also a really notable occasion for our family. To come together here, where Dad spent so many happy days, and remember such a much-loved character means more than we can say. I know he would have loved every minute of it.”

Thank you

We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Ryan Heal, CEO of Best of British Events, and his whole team, to Daley Thompson CBE, to The Spa Hotel Tunbridge Wells and Brighton Racecourse and their whole team.

Our thanks also go to the sponsors who made both events possible:

SEICO Insurance & Mortgages, Webtrends Optimize, Creative Pod, Foster & Co, DevAssist and LOCH Associates.

Finally, thank you to every guest who joined us and dug deep in the auctions and raffles. Your kindness and generosity make our work possible.

The final fundraising total from both events will be announced soon, so watch this space!