Knights take rest from derring-do to help charity’s fundraising efforts

BRAVE and chivalrous knights will tell tales of daring and heroism over a cuppa while raising money for a national charity event.

The Knights of Middle England, based at Warwick International School of Riding in Coventry Road, are holding a coffee morning as part of Macmillan Cancer Support’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning.

Members of the riding club will mingle with the armour-clad knights, who take part in historical jousting and horseback displays and events.

Karl Ude-Martinez, the company’s director, said: “Some of the people that work for us here have been affected by cancer.

“They have relatives or friends who have had cancer or died from it so we like to help out as much as possible.”

The company aims to bring the knights of old into the 21st century by holding training sessions, corporate events and putting on shows.

It has donated a ‘jousting experience’ day worth £199 to Macmillan for the charity to use in an auction at a fundraising ball.

Mr Ude-Martinez said the knights are planning to hold a family day next year to boost their fundraising efforts.

He added: “We offer a unique experience, people can be a knight for the day by getting into armour and having a go on a horse.

“It is a traditional thing and very English, with jousting being the original sport of kings.

“Having a go is one of those activities you can tick off your list like skydiving or driving a Ferrari.”

Lindsay Butler, the Macmillan fundraising manager, has thanked the Knights for their support.

She said: “The Knights of Middle England are a fantastically fun company who are extremely supportive of Macmillan and people affected by cancer.

“They have provided unusual photographs to help us promote the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning and have also been extremely generous in the past.

“It’s so important for Macmillan to work with companies like the Knights as they are able to support us in so ways.”

For more details about organising a fundraising event for Macmillan call 0845 070 1315 or visit the campaign website.