Over 400 people attend event in memory of Tyrella businesswoman

Over 400 people attend event in memory of Tyrella businesswoman

21 February 2018

A CHARITY day was held recently in memory of a Tyrella woman, who died last month.

Rachel Holmes passed away on January 9 at the age of 46 after a long battle with Lupus.

Holmestead Saddlery, which Rachel ran for many years, held a charity coffee morning in her honour on Saturday, February 10, and proved to be an 

outstanding success. Approximately 400 people turned up and raised over £2,100.

Many local businesses contributed and there was a great community spirit with lots of home-baked goodies, face painting, a tombola and a raffle, as well as plenty of fun and fond memories of Rachel. 

Rachel’s brother, Bill, owner of Holmestead Saddlery, said: “We wanted to do something positive and to help raise awareness of Lupus. We also wanted to help others with this debilitating disease.”

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks normal, healthy tissue.

Rachel was diagnosed approximately five years ago but it really started to take effect in the last two-and-a-half years.

Bill explained: “She went from being a fit and active person — someone who could work all day then go out and groom, tack-up and ride her horse — to requiring assistance to cover the 30 steps between her house and the shop.

“Cerebral Lupus affected her balance and also, occasionally, her speech. But she never gave up. She ran the shop here in Tyrella and was a very intelligent lady with a great business head.

“She was well known in the horsey community and was full of helpful tips and advice for customers, accumulated from a lifetime of owning horses. She loved nothing more than to help someone who was having difficulties with their horse.

“Rachel would often be seen out in the local area on her big cob, Harley. That was her relaxation at the end of a working day. He was very photogenic and was always up for a selfie with passing tourists.”

Rachel is sorely missed by all her staff at Holmestead, who decided to don their aprons in her honour and have a celebratory coffee morning in order to raise funds and awareness of Lupus.

Bill said the number of people in attendance and the amount raised surpassed all expectations.

“It was so lovely to see all the people who came to support the cause and also to chat about Rachel,” he added.