Trainer Micky's charity bid (From Durham Times)

Trainer Micky's charity bid

10:49am Friday 15th January 2010

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THE going is more frozen than firm but the recent cold snap has not stopped a hardy racehorse trainer from showing a bit of leg for charity.

Micky Hammond, who is based in Middleham, hopes to raise £5,000 by wearing shorts non-stop from November 1 to March 31.

The challenge has already seen the trainer attend race meetings and doctor and dentist appointments wearing a pair.

He even turned up at a funeral and a court appearance for a speeding offence in just shorts.

The trainer was invited to the prestigious Sir Peter O'Sullevan charity lunch at The Dorchester, in Park Lane, London.

However, he turned the invite down after staff told him he would have to put on a pair of trousers.

"I wanted to raise some money for charity and I don't really have the guts to jump out of an plane," he said.

"I usually wear shorts from April to the beginning of October and I thought doing the same in winter might be a good idea.

"The temperature at the end of October was lovely, but then on November 1 it turned wet and chilly - as long as you keep yourself on the move it's not too difficult.

"The most difficult situations are going somewhere when they don't know why you are wearing shorts. I've had some funny looks."

Money raised will be split between five charities.

The Injured Jockeys Fund, Macmillan Nurses and Racing Welfare will all benefit from the challenge.

Mr Hammond is also raising money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The charities have been chosen because fellow Middleham trainers Pat Haslam and Kate Milligan are battling the diseases.

"I feel I've been quite lucky with my life and I wanted to put a little bit back into the community," he added.

"I'll probably come up with something else in a couple of years but it won't be as stupid as wearing shorts all winter."

Donations can be made by sending a cheque to: Micky Hammond (Charities), Oakwood House Stables, East Witton Road, Middleham, North Yorkshire, DL8 4PT.

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