CHARITY clay-pigeon shooters have raised a record £400,000 for good causes.

The 2019 Yorkshire Charity Clay Days event, held at Duncombe Park in Helmsley on May 13 and 14, raised £50,000 more than last year’s record to make its most successful total since its founding in 1999.

The money will be split across six Yorkshire charities - Leeds Cares, York Teaching Hospital Charity, Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Ryedale Special Families, Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation and Variety.

For Yorkshire Air Ambulance, the funds will support its life-saving emergency service across the whole of Yorkshire, while for Ryedale Special Families a new purpose-built facility to support children with disabilities or additional needs can now become a reality.

Through both Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation and Variety, the funds will help to transform the lives of young people across Yorkshire.

The money will also go towards a state-of-the-art ultrasound machine at Leeds General Infirmary, and a new way of helping treat breast cancer at York Hospital

Jake Duncombe, co-chairman of the Yorkshire Charity Clay Days and owner of Duncombe Park, said: “We are over the moon to have raised such a significant amount for these six very deserving charities and want to thank all those who contributed to the Yorkshire Charity Clay Days. It is immensely rewarding to be able to make such a difference to a broad range of needs across our county.”

Co-chairman Chris Blundell said: “Over the last 20 years the funds raised have made a huge difference to the lives of people across Yorkshire, and each year we will strive to continue that legacy, while providing a memorable day out for our generous donors.”

The Yorkshire Charity Clay Days consists of team clay pigeon shooting followed by a three-course lunch and an auction. It was the brainchild of Lady Emma Ingilby who organised the inaugural event at Hovingham Hall in 1999 and developed the concept over the next 10 years.

The Yorkshire Charity Clay Days 2020 will take place on Monday, May 11, and Tuesday, May 12, at Duncombe Park.

For more information about next year’s event, phone Shirley McConville on 01845 537984 or email pa@mountstjohn.co.uk