Racing Welfare has been “left absolutely heartbroken” after Nicki Strong, the charity’s head of communications and marketing, died this month. She was 41.
Strong, who lived in Hampshire, joined Racing Welfare in 2021 and was at the forefront of the organisation’s initiatives such as the Castle to Abbey Challenge, which raised more than £100,000 this summer.
Dawn Goodfellow, Racing Welfare’s chief executive, said: “All of us at Racing Welfare have been left absolutely heartbroken by the death of Nicki Strong. Nicki was never happier than when she was with horses. She was passionate about equine sports, grew up riding from a young age and even bought and retrained a number of ex-racehorses, which she took eventing and showjumping.
“At work Nicki was dedicated to her job and excelled in leading on projects including our Castle to Abbey Challenge – a charity walk involving more than 100 participants –and was responsible for a series of powerful Racing Welfare videos for Mental Health Awareness Week. The positive impact of her work on the lives of many cannot be overestimated.”
Before joining Racing Welfare, Strong worked for the Hickstead Derby, Royal International Horse Show and reported on the Badminton horse trials and World Equestrian Games. She also held roles at Macmillan Cancer Support and the Prior’s Court charity.
Goodfellow added: “As a result of the support that we provide day in, day out at Racing Welfare, we know only too well the devastating impact that a tragic and sudden loss like this can have and, as a much-loved and popular colleague, Nicki’s death has been incredibly difficult for the team to process.
“Our priority now is to offer support to those she worked with and anyone in racing who has been affected by this news. All of our thoughts are with Nicki’s friends and family, who we are offering all the support possible to.”
Racing Welfare’s team are available 24/7 via Racing’s Support Line on 0800 6300 443 or visit racingwelfare.co.uk. The Samaritans can be reached by calling 116 123 or visit samaritans.org. In Ireland, Pieta can be contacted on 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444.