Ascot Racecourse joined the local and national response to help those most at need during the Covid-19 pandemic.

A team of 26 volunteers comprising staff from the racecourse, Bet With Ascot, 1711 by Ascot, our parking contractors, CSP, and Carpe Diem Executive Cars  transported NHS workers and equipment between hospital sites for Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, collectively clocking up over 1,400 volunteer hours.   Ascot also operated as a drive-through NHS testing site and plans are to continue as a drive-thru flu vaccination facility for staff. 

We also supported ‘Project Wingman’ at Frimley Hospital delivering afternoon teas and mocktails to its lounge, providing NHS staff a place to unwind and enjoy some TLC between shifts.   Every Thursday in honour of ‘Clap for Carers’, the Ascot Grandstand turned blue while the giant Parade Ring screen displayed the racecourse’s thanks to the NHS and keyworkers.

Over £10,000 was diverted from our community fund held with Berkshire Community Foundation to support local charities in need of immediate assistance including Slough Foodbank, First Days Charity, Dingley’s Promise, ME2 Club and Thames Hospice. 

1711 by Ascot staff also assisted at the COVID-19 Test Centres in Portsmouth and HMP & YOI Bronzefield and the racecourse supported Sebastian’s Action Trust through funding, online entertainment and baked goodies for their ‘Christmas in July’ party, originally due be hosted at the racecourse for a second year, which reached 1,200 children and parents supported by the Trust.

Royal Ascot 2020 proved the catalyst for £168,000 in fundraising via its #StyledWithThanks programme that was pledged directly to The National Emergencies Trust Coronavirus Appeal, NHS Charities Together, The Care Workers Charity and the Berkshire Community Foundation Coronavirus Fund. Plants and flowers from Royal Ascot were also distributed to local care homes where staff were delighted for residents who had received no visitors since March.