3 minute read

The racing industry is rallying behind Amanda Higgins, with the Ashburton trainer currently undergoing treatment for terminal cancer.

Fundraising efforts are now underway, with the proceeds set to help Higgins and her family. A Givealittle page has been set up by the New Zealand Trainers' Association, while a fundraising dinner will take place at Addington Raceway on July 19.

The Salvation Army's Andrew McKerrow has been offering his support to Higgins and her family, and is urging members of the racing community to show their support through the two fundraising drives.

"Amanda has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of Leukemia. She had some treatment and it wasn't very successful, so she is undergoing a second lot of treatment at the moment," McKerrow said.

"It is quite a complicated case. She is currently halfway through her second round of treatment, so has moved back to Christchurch for that."

Amanda is married to former jockey turned farrier Stuart Higgins, with the couple having a three-year-old daughter Lizzie, and 16-year-old twin boys Kaydence and Rylie.

"They (Amanda and Stuart) met down in Southland when working for Kelvin Tyler," McKerrow said. "They are cool people.

"Stu has been up here to care for both Amanda and Lizzie, so he is limited in how much farrier work he can do, hence the reason why we are hoping to up the ante for fundraising for them. They are really good and humble people."

Givealittle campaign: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/please-help-the-family-of-amanda-higgins

Fundraising Dinner

What: Buffet dinner and a great night of racing.

Where: Addington Raceway

When: Friday, July 19

Tickets: $61, with $20 per ticket going to Amanda's family.

There will be raffles throughout the night ($5 per raffle).

Tickets can be purchased online - addington.flicket.co.nz. If anyone has any raffle or auction prizes, they can contact Rachel Deegan on 021 734 936 or email rachdeegs@icloud.com