'She radiated an air of positivity' - Karen Jackson to be remembered at Newbury

A charity single and a race named in her honour will both play a part in commemorating the life of Karen Jackson at Newbury on Sunday.

A popular host in the in the owners' and trainers' hospitality at Newbury as well as at Cheltenham, Karen has received official recognition from the Berkshire track.

Jackson died in May last year having first been diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999. Her life will be celebrated with the running of the Karen Jackson's 'Bring Your Own Sunshine' Memorial Mares' Handicap Hurdle (2.30), a race title which features the name of a charity record released by jazz saxophonist and vocalist Kim Cypher.

"Karen came to one of my performances in London in 2017 and came up at the end of the evening to tell me how much she had enjoyed the music," said Cypher, who will join many of Jackson's friends and family at Newbury.

"She was just one of these people I clicked with. She was smiling and happy and radiated this air of positivity, warmth and happiness.

"As she walked away I could see she was in pain, and when I asked she told me of the terrible battle she had been having for many years with cancer. I was really quite shocked because she was so happy and full of life."

Singer and saxophonist Kim Cypher has recorded the song Bring your own sunshine in tribute to KarenCredit: Milsom321@btinternet.com

Inspired by Jackson's positive outlook and the support she gave to her own musical career, Cypher composed a song in her honour called Maybe the following year.

Cypher said: "Karen was very passionate about the cancer charity Maggie's. We have a centre in my own home town of Cheltenham and I know from experience they really support people with cancer.

"When Karen passed away I just wanted to pay tribute to her and I wrote the song Bring your own Sunshine, which sums up Karen. I decided to go on a fundraising mission for Maggie's

"The song will be played when the horses are in the parade ring."

Jackson's connection to racing went beyond her activities at Newbury and Cheltenham, as she joined the syndicate of owners behind Coudefoudre following a stable visit to Venetia Williams' yard, and maintained the link with visits to see him in retirement in Cornwall.

Download 'Bring Your Own Sunshine' by Kim Cypher here

Donate to the Maggie's campaign in Karen Jackson's memory here

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