A PHENOMENAL milestone has been reached by Richards Castle Soap Box Derby following 14 years of fundraising by organising soap box racing down Hanway Common.

It has topped £100,000 raised for good causes since the event began in 2003.

The community run event has donated a whooping £12,750 this year to local charitable organisations, pushing the grand total to £103,770.

Richards Castle Soap Box Derby has always been about supporting local good causes. Since the first soap box cart rolled down the hill the event, organised by volunteers from the village, has donated funds to more than 50 different charities and local causes.

The nominated main charities to benefit from funds raised at this year’s Derby held in July were CLD Trust – Strong Young Minds, Ludlow Foyer and Smile – Ludlow Maternity. These charities enrich, support and empower the lives of young people in the area. In addition cheques were also presented to Richards Castle Village Hall, Ludlow Fire Service, Ludlow Air Cadets, Richards Castle All Saints Church and Richards Castle WI.

A special presentation evening and celebration with helpers from the event was held in Richards Castle.

Representatives from the different charities were in attendance to receive their cheques and speak about their charity and how the donation would be spent. It was also a great opportunity to thank the many helpers and committee members who have dedicated time and energy to making the Soap Box Derby such a success.

“I am thrilled to have reached and exceeded our target for fund raising this year. As a result we have been able to increase the amounts we have given to all our recipients,” said Humphrey Salwey, chairman of the event.

“This is an enormous achievement for a small community like Richard’s Castle. Onwards and upwards to raising £200,000.”

The Soap Box Derby will be back on Sunday, July 8, 2018.