A CHAMPION jockey is helping pull a Herefordshire charity clear of the field by backing the work it does for young cancer sufferers.

Richard Johnson is an honorary vice-president of the Little Princess Trust which provides wigs and hair pieces for children who have suffered hair loss through cancer treatment.

The former Hereford Cathedral School pupil, who famously rode Looks Like Trouble to Cheltenham Gold Cup glory in 2000, says he is thrilled to support the charity.

“I’ve been back to the school once or twice since leaving and on one occasion I met Tim Lowe, the trust chairman and former junior school headteacher, who asked if I would like to support them,” said Richard.

He says that as a father himself, he can now fully understand the torment that cancer can cause families.

“It’s a very nasty disease and if it was to affect my child I don’t know what I would do.

“The charity does a great deal in helping these children and their families.

“It is run by local people who give up any spare time they have to carry it forward.”

■ Meanwhile, a bingo group in Monkland has raised more than £1,000 for the Little Princess Trust through ongoing donations.

Led by Wendy Jancey, the group meets most weeks in the village hall to play the popular pastime.

But the members also take part in a lottery which sees £25 of the proceeds donated to the trust.

“We started it in February or March last year and have since donated about £1,100,”

said Wendy.

“We regularly have about 35 people so for a small bingo group we do quite well.”