Press Release for Mascot Gold Cup New Sponsor

Sue Ryder Mascot Gold Cup 2026 returns with New Sponsor

Healthcare charity Sue Ryder is delighted to announce that Leeds-based OPM Group (Labels and Packaging) has been confirmed as the new headline sponsor of the world-record-breaking Sue Ryder Mascot Gold Cup, held annually at Wetherby Racecourse.

OPM Group is a multi-award-winning specialist in high-quality self-adhesive labels and flexible packaging, trusted by leading global brands across a range of industries. Already strong supporters of Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, owners Christopher and Susan Ellison leapt at the opportunity to sponsor the charity’s most fun-filled and colourful fundraising event.

This new partnership represents a major financial boost for Sue Ryder’s care across Yorkshire, supporting people and families through Manorlands Hospice in Keighley and Wheatfields Hospice in Leeds when it matters most.

The sponsorship also secures the future of one of the UK’s most distinctive sporting spectacles. Each year, dozens of larger-than-life mascots thunder down the final furlong, tackling six fences en route as “fur flies” in front of a packed racecourse crowd. Over the past 20 years, the Mascot Gold Cup has raised more than £190,000 for Sue Ryder, alongside a similar amount for other charitable causes.

Susan Ellison, co-owner of OPM Group, said:

“We’re proud supporters of Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice and have been involved in a number of events over many years, including recently helping to procure cuddle beds for the hospice.

We loved the spirit and enthusiasm of the Mascot Gold Cup and wanted to be part of an event that’s all about quality family time, having fun and raising vital funds for charity. We’re making a real day of it and will be inviting colleagues and customers to join us in the fun.”

Andrew Wood, Community Fundraising Manager at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice and the creator of the Mascot Gold Cup in 2006, welcomed OPM Group’s support:

“Securing the sponsorship of such a prestigious company is a major coup. We’re incredibly grateful to OPM for supporting one of our most loved fundraising events and hope they’ll enter a few mascots to help make this one of the biggest Mascot Gold Cups yet.”

There are four entry options, ranging from £1 to £50, depending on whether entrants need to hire a mascot and the level of fundraising they pledge to undertake. With a huge range of mascots available, individuals, businesses, clubs and organisations can all get involved.

New for 2026 there will be an additional event named the Mini Mascot Gold Cup where participants aged 5 to 12 get to tackle the same course in small mascot costumes or fancy dress.

The first Sue Ryder Mascot Gold Cup sponsored by OPM Labels and Packaging will take place at Wetherby Racecourse’s Family Race Day on Sunday 26 April 2026. Online entries are now open at sueryder.org/mascotgoldcup, and supporters can follow updates on Facebook at @mascotgoldcup.