HOW A LITTLE FLUTTER AT ROYAL ASCOT IS HELPING CHANGE LIVES

Back in June, a select group of charities across the UK were the big winners at Royal Ascot, when members of the Betting and Gaming Council donated all profits from the Britannia Stakes — an incredible £450,000. This is an extraordinary boost to UK good causes.

Missing People was incredibly grateful to be chosen as one of this year’s beneficiaries to share in those funds. The generous donation is, and will continue to, make a difference to the missing and their loved ones we support. I want to share a little more on just what that looks like.

Someone is reported missing every 90 seconds in the UK. That means life is lonely, scary and uncertain for 170,000 families every year. Right now, people are searching, fearing for people’s safety. Searching for mums, dads, siblings, grandparents, friends and colleagues, who suddenly seem very vulnerable.

At Missing People, we are there for anyone affected by a disappearance— offering specialist support and help, for as long as it takes. No matter what. Donations make it possible.

Founded over 30 years ago following the tragic disappearance of Suzy Lamplugh, our charity has grown from a helpline ran from a bedroom to a UK-wide service that provides a vital source of hope and reconnection.

One person told our amazing team of staff and volunteers “to have someone just to listen and show kindness, compassion, and empathy — it was so important.”

That support and compassion — made possible by donations like this — is at the heart of everything we do. Thanks to the generosity of the Betting and Gaming Council and its members, this funding will help in several key areas.

Supporting families through unimaginable experiences — many people live with the uncertainty and heartbreak of a missing loved one for weeks, months, or even years. With the funding we can be there however long the search takes, no matter what.

8 in 10 adults who disappear are dealing with a mental health problem. This donation is helping us invest in human support for them, and to ensure we use the latest tech to reach people too. It costs around £11.50 to answer a Helpline call. Each call is important and answered without judgment. Our share in the Britannia Stakes funding could enable almost 8,000 calls to be answered. Calls that change lives – and sometimes even save lives.

As well as helping support to be there when it is needed, right now, Missing People can also create long-term change to help reduce the number of people going missing. Championing a fair response for all and breaking down the stigma — we’re working to make sure every missing person is treated equally and given the same urgency, no matter their race, background or circumstances.

That’s quite a legacy from a little flutter at Ascot....

Jo Youle OBE, Chief Executive, Missing People