Thanks to the amazing support, Park Lane Stables has been saved

Our campaign to raise £1million in two months to buy the stables on expiry of the lease seemed a mountain to climb. “What happens if you don’t?” we were repeatedly asked. Natalie O’Rourke’s answer was always “I’m not allowing myself to waste energy on negative thoughts. If we can reach out to enough people, we believe it’s achievable. I need to do everything I can to keep us here for the 350 disabled riders who depend on us.”

Then a little magic happened.

Momentum gathered in the local community, and people in all walks of life – from the fire service to the cheesemonger – got on board to raise money for us. “A touching number of pledges were children giving up their pocket money. Countless donations were under £20”, said Natalie.

Long-term supporters in the media gave us fabulous airtime. Sara Cox and Vanessa Feltz interviewed Natalie on their Radio 2 programmes. “We just heard about you on the radio” said the comments on Crowdfunder each time something new aired.

Rob Brydon, Clare Balding and Rory Bremner all made very public declarations of support. Many others tweeted or retweeted. It all fuelled momentum.

An appearance on ITV’s Good Morning Britain (with Rob Brydon) changed everything. Suddenly we were a national news story, with a daily deluge of written post, support and cheques. Viewers told us they’d cried. And donated.

With a week to go we were just over halfway, with almost £500,000 still to raise. And then we appeared on BBC Breakfast. Everyone cried, again. In the two hours that followed, we raised £450,000 and reached £1million soon after 11am with a week to spare.

The final total raised by the 25 February deadline was £1,302,902, pledged by no fewer than 31,725 supporters.

Thank you, to you all.

Watch the BBC Breakfast feature about Park Lane Stables on 18 February 2021 that changed everything