Middlesbrough’s Unicorn Centre, a horse-riding facility dedicated to people with disabilities and learning difficulties, is facing closure due to financial difficulties and urgently needs to raise £100,000 by the end of the month to continue operating. The centre offers valuable therapeutic and recreational opportunities, with visitors like Rachel Smith’s daughter, who eagerly looks forward to her weekly rides despite being non-verbal. Following the closure announcement, the charity has received significant community support, raising £1,600 so far and exploring new rescue proposals to keep the centre open.

Long-time visitor Olivia Fairclough, who has been riding at the centre since becoming paralysed, emphasized the centre’s importance as a supportive home for many and vowed to fight against its closure. The trustees have expressed gratitude for the public’s backing and promised to provide updates as they work toward securing the centre’s future. Meanwhile, parents and supporters continue fundraising efforts to provide the immediate financial injection needed to save this vital community resource.