UPDATE: Park Lane Stables, which provides therapeutic sessions to disabled people, has returned to Teddington after a public campaign raised over £1million for it to stay open.
Celebrities including local Rob Brydon lent their support to the Stables’ campaign in early 2021, and after appearances on BBC Breakfast, it raised £1.4million almost overnight.
The Stables is a pillar of the community, housing 25 horses and providing sessions for over 300 people. Its main beneficiaries are disabled children and adults, who receive a form of therapy with the horses in partnership with the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA).
Manager at the Stables Natalie O’Rourke said: “We’re still here! It’s a real-life fairy-tale! To all the people who donated, just, thank you, thank you, thank you – we could not have done it without you.”
After becoming more well-known in the past few months, many people are rushing to wish the Stables a merry Christmas. The staff have asked that instead of providing chocolates for the humans, they would be very grateful for any presents for the horses. See the wish list here if you want to show your appreciation for all their hard work for the community.
As of 16 December, Park Lane Stables have moved back to Park Lane, Teddington permanently as the official owners of the site.
