'It's like winning the Grand National' - £1 million raised to save riding school

Natalie O'Rourke, the woman at the centre of Park Lane Stables' fundraising campaign to save its riding school amid the threat of closure, has thanked the racing community for its support after it achieved its goal of raising £1 million by the end of the month.

The urban riding school in south-west London, which caters primarily for children and adults with disabilities and learning difficulties, had until February 25 to raise the funds to buy its premises outright after its landlord informed them of his plan to sell the building.

The ‘Save Our Stables’ crowdfunding campaign had picked up speed in recent weeks after notable names from the racing industry and beyond threw their weight behind the family-run business.

On Wednesday night, the appeal still required more than £400,000 to be raised with a week remaining, but donations shot up rapidly after Park Lane Stables featured on BBC Breakfast on Thursday morning and their fundraising goal was achieved by 11am.

More than 25,000 people have donated to the cause and O’Rourke, who manages Park Lane Stables, said: "I feel really overwhelmed. Without the racing community we wouldn't have made it. They got us to the halfway point and that made everyone else notice us.

The urban riding school primarily caters for children and adults with disabilities and learning difficulties

"I want to thank Nick Luck, who supported us from the start, and the trainers and owners who got behind us. We're so grateful and will never forget the support we've received. We're a tiny place and the fact Jonjo O'Neill and Fergal O'Brien got behind us is amazing.

"I feel the same way a winning owner, trainer or jockey must feel on Grand National day. It's a combination of joy, relief and shock. I'm having to pinch myself. It means so much to everyone."

Comedian, actor and presenter Rob Brydon appeared on Good Morning Britain last week and described Park Lane as a force for good, while impressionist Rory Bremner was also a key supporter.

Park Lane Stables is keeping its appeal open until the deadline on February 25 to raise more money to assist with the school's ongoing costs and to improve its existing facilities.

O'Rourke added: "It costs a lot of money to look after horses so any more money donated means we can secure our longevity. A lot of the time we were getting by on a wing and a prayer and we'd be so grateful for any extra money."

Click here to donate to Park Lane Stables' crowdfunding campaign

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