Retired film horse and owner take on unique lap of honour for Northampton charity

A retired film horse and his owner have taken part in a new initiative set up by a Northampton-based charity.

Sheila Smith and her horse Pip took on a lap of honour for the Lewis Foundation on Friday (October 23), in a bid to raise the profile of the new initiative, as well as raise funds.

The lap of honour scheme is the charity’s new way of encouraging supporters to get involved, while considering the current guidance, by dedicating their lap to someone who has show support or has done something incredible.

Sheila, who describes Pip as a ‘horse of a lifetime’, is an avid supporter of the Lewis Foundation, so was keen to get involved in the new initiative with her 19-year-old horse, who starred in the likes of Midsomer Murders and then worked as a therapy horse for Follyfoot after retiring from the film industry.

The 60-year-old said: “Pip and I have built a strong bond since he came to live with me around a year ago. We make a great team, so I thought we could take on the challenge.

“I find the charity very inspirational, particularly what they do with fundraising and Pip is used to doing good work, so to support them in any capacity was a no brainer.

“My lap of honour was to give thanks to my mum and dad for putting me on a horse 55 years ago. I have never looked back.”

To complete their lap of honour, Sheila and Pip did a circuit of around three kilometres around a field where they live, dressed in high-visibility jackets, in the hope it would get people talking and help the charity further.

Sheila added: “I know first hand how tough this year has been to raise funds and awareness.

“Now more than ever charities need the profile. I wanted to help them get that profile and get people involved.

“It went down well with my work network because it was different and we had a lot of people asking how they could get involved.”

The lap of honour scheme was set up as a way for people to take part in fundraising even though they cannot see others.

A lap can be completed in any way and anywhere, and the idea is to nominate two other people once the lap is complete.

Lorraine Lewis, from the Lewis Foundation added: “When we saw what Sheila was doing, we thought it was really great and nobody really expected it.

“It was a great way to start a conversation and get other people talking about it and thinking outside the box.

“The reason behind the challenge was because nobody can be together in person so we wanted to find a way to celebrate people who have done something great or have supported other people and those who have passed away.

“The lap of honour is going really well and people are being really creative, but it’s all about doing whatever you can within your own ability.”

All of the money raised from Sheila’s and everybody else’s laps of honour will go towards creating the gift bags that the charity makes and delivers to hospitals.

To get involved, visit the Lewis Foundation website or check out their social media channels.

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