A family event in Tidworth is hoping to raise thousands of pounds to fund cancer research following the passing of the founder’s godmother.

Play for a Cure, being held at Tedworth Park Polo Club, is returning for its third year after being postponed due to Covid in 2020.

Originally founded by Tasha Ball to raise money for Cancer Research UK when her mum was diagnosed with breast cancer, the event has extra significance this year after her godmother, Jacquiline Kakai Haig, passed away in July from the disease.

“She was diagnosed about a year and a half now with breast cancer, and unfortunately it escalated during the pandemic, more quickly than we were expecting,” Tasha said.

“My mum is in remission and fine, but this has made this event even more prominent to raise money.”

Tasha set up the event in 2018, after her mum was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer, in order to raise funds and get her through the period.

“It helped that feeling that you get when you feel a bit helpless when you go through that,” she said. “It was combining two things I know and love, polo and having a big old party!”

The event, which features multiple polo matches as well as entertainments such as pony rides, stalls, funfair games and more, started in Salisbury but has relocated to Tidworth this year after the usual site was unable to accommodate them.

“This will be the third year we’ve run it after a gap due to Covid, and we’ve raised £6,000 so far for Cancer Research UK,” Tasha said.

“In my mind we can make up for last year but I feel that might be slightly optimistic.”

She is hoping to do something in memory of her godmother, whose funeral took place on August 24.

One suggestion is changing the name of the trophy for the women’s exhibition game, currently named after her mum, Vera.

“I think the name of the trophy might slightly change so there’ll be something in there for her,” Tasha said. “I just need to figure out what it is.”

Play for a Cure is taking place this Sunday (August 29) at Tedworth Park Polo Club. The gates open at 11am, with entry a £10 donation on the door.

Gazebo seating can also be reserved ahead of time by emailing: info@tedworthparkpolo.com

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