Racegoers are being invited to take a punt that will pay off for local charity at Warwick Racecourse this season.
Molly Ollys has been announced as the charity partner for the 2026 race season, with the first of ten fundraising races commencing on January 10th. Highlight of the dates, which each attract between 2-8,000 racegoers, is the annual Molly Olly Race Day on April 23rd.
The charity will also be beneficiaries of Warwick Racecourse’s Corporate Golf Day, on June 12th.
Thomas Williams, General Manager of Warwick Racecourse said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Molly Ollys as our Charity Partner of the Year for 2026. Our connection with this wonderful organisation goes back many years, and Molly Ollys Raceday continues to be one of the true highlights of our season.
“The work the charity does is nothing short of remarkable, and we’re excited to work alongside the racing family and local community to support their fundraising efforts and help raise vital awareness throughout the year.”
Warwick Racecourse is one of the oldest and most historic racing venues in the UK, with roots dating back to the early 18th century. The racecourse has earned a reputation as a proving ground for future stars of Jump racing and often welcomes stars of the sport throughout the season.
Molly Ollys was established in 2011 by Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw, from Warwick, following the death of their eight-year-old daughter Molly from a rare kidney cancer.
The charity works to support children with terminal or life-limiting illnesses and their families and help with their emotional wellbeing. As well as providing more than 4,300 wishes to date, they donate therapeutic toys and books to both children directly and to hospitals throughout the UK.
Olly The Brave is a therapeutic toy that helps children understand their treatment journey. Along with a set of books from the charity’s exclusive Olly The Brave series, stock the lion and books now been handed out to more than 70 hospitals or health centres to distribute to children undergoing treatment. Olly has his own Hickman line and a detachable mane which helps to explain and normalise the effects of chemotherapy.
Part of more than £5m raised to date, has also been used to fund the first consultant in paediatric palliative medicine at Birmingham Children’s Hospital and pay for the training of a further two consultants.
Rachel said: “Molly Ollys is thrilled to partner with Warwick Racecourse as their inaugural Charity of the Year. The collaboration will give us the opportunity to raise awareness of the work we’re doing to support children around the UK with life-threatening illnesses at 10 separate race days throughout 2026.
“With a number of popular race days at the all-jumps course, the racecourse attracts people from all over the country. Not only will this provide Molly Ollys with the chance to raise important funds but also speak to a number of different people from around the UK.
“We have worked with Tommy Williams and his team on a variety of events over the past few years, including race days, Warwick Half Marathon, golf days and the Warwick Racecourse Business Club.
“We have a fantastic relationship with the team and have enjoyed working with them for a number of years already. We sincerely hope this new initiative will help both organisations flourish.”
For more information about Molly Ollys or to donate visit HERE.
