Charlie Thornycroft receives award at National Equine Forum.

This year’s Sir Colin Spedding Award has been awarded to Charlotte “Charlie” Thornycroft for her dedication and support for the British Equestrians for Ukraine Fund.

The award was presented to Ms Thornycroft by Princess Anne at the National Equine Forum (NEF) in Westminster on 2 March.

Formerly a PA to Khalid Abdullah, Ms Thornycroft has played a crucial role as a volunteer at the Fund’s Polish supply hub, setting it up and acting as the linchpin of its operations.

Working in very difficult circumstances, she helped to evacuate horses and their owners from the war zone to Poland, providing them with a temporary place to stay before supporting them to find safe homes around the world.

She has also coordinated the delivery of relief supplies and provided help and support for people fleeing the Russian invasion.
 
Before the presentation, Ms Thornycroft gave the NEF Memorial Lecture, talking about her experiences in Ukraine in conversation with Alec Lochore. She received a standing ovation at the end of her talk.

The Sir Colin Spedding Award, introduced in 2013 in memory of the founding chairman of the NEF, celebrates exceptional work in the equine sector by individuals and organisations.

Following the event, Ms Thornycroft said: “I am truly humbled by the response in the auditorium and the comments I have received. It was a huge team effort and one where I was lucky to be a small cog who saw the highs and lows firsthand. A truly life changing year.

"Thank you all for your support of both the Ukrainian Fund and of me. There is still a great need for support given that the situation in Ukraine remains so desperate for so many.”

This is not the first time that Ms Thornycroft’s work has been recognised. Last year, she was awarded the BEVA Equine Welfare Award for her efforts to alleviate the suffering of horses in Ukraine.

Image (C) Craig Payne Photography