Miniature Shetland pony and dementia ambassador Jack Brock stars in new charity Christmas card
Artist, fundraiser, mum, farmer, businesswoman (and stepdaughter of jockey Bob Champion) Ali Stearn has painted this beautiful picture of her rescued Shetland pony, Jack Brock, to sell as a Christmas card in aid of dementia charities.
Jack is the gentle miniature therapy pony who was named an official dementia ambassador for the joy he brings (in normal times) when he visits people in care homes and dementia cafes around Norfolk. He is also a much-loved family pet at home on the family farm near Wymondham and has a sideline (again in normal times) as a picture perfect “confetti pony” at weddings. Last year the therapy pony and dementia ambassador for East of England Co-op and Dementia UK walked alongside Father Christmas in the Jarrold Christmas Parade through Norwich, and was also out and about with Ali selling charity Christmas cards from his panniers.
Ali, who runs The Garden Box, selling garden and house plants and pots, topiary and Christmas wreaths, has just donated an incredible £17,000 she and Jack raised for Dementia UK to spend on its projects in Norfolk. This year’s card is already selling well. Ali was inspired to create charity Christmas cards starring Jack after a snowy scene she painted for the Bob Champion Cancer Trust sold 5,500 packs of cards in 2018. The trust was set up after her jump jockey stepfather recovered from cancer. (The story of his triumph in the Grand National was made into a film with Bob played by Norfolk’s John Hurt.)
Ali said she had lost family members to dementia and is determined to do whatever she and Jack can to help. When visitors are allowed back into care homes Jack will return too, to bring gentleness and joy to residents - until then his portrait is raising money for dementia charities. Jack’s Christmas card in aid of Dementia UK is on sale from his website jackbrockltd.co.uk
