Paisley politician backs charity with Grand National bet

Paisley MSP Neil Bibby has today bet on good causes as he backs a Grand National project to bolster charitable giving.

The Labour MSP for West Scotland visited the Paddy Power shop on Neilston Road to place a £50 charity bet on the 2024 Grand National, with all winnings going to Accord Hospice.

Neil has put the cash behind Scottish trained horse and 2023 winner Corach Rambler.

But even if the horse doesn’t win, the bookies - as a member of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) - will still donate £250 to Neil’s nominated charity to ensure no one misses out.

Based in Paisley, Accord Hospice provides end of life care to people at its inpatient unit and in their Renfrewshire homes.

The council invited politicians to visit either a Paddy Power, William Hill, Ladbrokes, Coral or Betfred shop in their constituency to place the free charity bet ahead of the world’s greatest steeplechase.

The race, which gets underway at Aintree Racecourse this afternoon, is the most popular horse race in the world, with an estimated 13 million UK adults expected to have a flutter on the outcome.

Neil said: “The Grand National is one of those great sporting moments when the whole nation comes together.

“I was delighted to visit Paddy Power in Paisley to meet the staff and customers, take up BGC’s generous offer of a charity bet, and also discuss the incredibly important work they have been doing on safer gambling.

“Betting shops employ tens of thousands on hard-pressed high streets and support our local economy through business rates contributions. And for regulars, they provide a community. I was delighted to visit and hear more about their place in our constituency.”

Betting and Gaming Council CEO Michael Dugher said: “Millions of us from all different backgrounds will once again come together to watch the Grand National and have a flutter on the world’s most famous horse race.

“It is an occasion like no other and demonstrates once again sport’s unique ability to bring the whole nation together.

“I want to say a huge thanks to all MSPs, including Neil, who have made the time and effort to meet with their local constituents working in high-street shops; for supporting so many good causes and local charities and for promoting the Grand National, which remains one of Britain’s biggest and best cultural and sporting events seen around the world.”

According to previous industry research by the BGC, approximately £250 million will be staked on the Grand National. Meanwhile, a 2023 report by Liverpool Business School found the 2022 Grand National had a total economic impact of over £60 million on the local economy.

Check out all the runners and riders for today’s Grand National on page 22 of today's Paisley Daily Express

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