Record Fun & Fundraising
Carlisle Youth Zone’s annual Raceday has once again demonstrated the power of the Carlisle community, raising an incredible £28,501.91 in support of the charity’s #TeenCYZ campaign – a four-year commitment to ensuring young people in Carlisle are seen, valued, and heard.
The sold-out event brought together more than 260 guests at Carlisle Racecourse, including business leaders, community champions, and long-standing supporters. Together, they enjoyed a day of racing, fundraising, and unity – all with one goal in mind: backing the next generation.
Funding the Future
Every penny raised at Raceday will go directly towards delivering on three major #TeenCYZ commitments:
- Welcoming young people through CYZ’s doors 100,000 times over the next four years.
- Providing a safe, inspiring, world-class facility for young people – while keeping admission at just 50p.
- Delivering targeted support to those who need it most.
“A proud history of support”
Addressing guests, CYZ CEO Caroline Taylor-Beswick said:
“I’m so happy to be welcoming each of you today. You are part of our city’s proud history of supporting our young people. Thank you. Over the past 14 years, over 150 businesses and philanthropic individuals have stepped forward to join the CYZ Patron Village. You are part of a special community which unites the private sector, from sole traders to international companies. Each of you care about Carlisle’s future, and the health, happiness, safety and ambitions of the city’s youth today.”
Since opening its doors, CYZ has welcomed more than 16,000 young people as members – meaning an entire generation has already benefitted from its opportunities and support. But the charity says the work is far from finished.
“Our #TeenCYZ campaign promises we’ll be there for the next generation,” Caroline continued. “We know children and young people are navigating an increasingly complex tapestry of challenges, set within a context of growing inequality and deepening poverty. We see, hear and feel it every day at CYZ. This next generation of young people need places, spaces, opportunities and support now more than ever. Days like today not only help raise vital funds so we can do that, but also help show young people that we’re here for them too.”
Sophie’s Story
Guests also heard first-hand from Sophie, a young person whose life has been transformed through CYZ.
“Before I came to CYZ, I didn’t really feel like I had a place I belonged. Now I’ve made friends, had chances to try new things, and found people I can talk to. It’s changed everything for me.”
“If it wasn’t for CYZ I’d probably be lazing around in bed! I’m actually really proud to be a young leader and volunteer for the youth zone and in my community, I’m doing my DofE and I feel so much more confident these days. Like anything is possible!”
Sophie’s story was a powerful reminder of why CYZ exists – to provide young people with consistent safe spaces, trusted relationships, and opportunities that can shape their future.
Powered by Generosity
This year’s Raceday success was made possible thanks to the generosity of event sponsors Kingmoor Park, Armstrong Watson, Cubby Group, NXT Recruitment, David Allen IT Solutions, Carlisle Racecourse, and Knights PLC, table holders and their guests, and dozens of local businesses who donated prizes.
Carlisle Youth Zone extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who made the day possible – and to everyone backing #TeenCYZ in ensuring that Carlisle’s young people have the space, support, and opportunities they deserve.
Photo credit to Jenny Woolgar Photography.
