Harrogate-born Downton Abbey star to host special charity fundraiser with Olympic champion at luxury hotel

Jim Carter OBE, the Harrogate-born actor best known for his role as Mr Carson in Downton Abbey, will host a fundraising afternoon for charity Women in Sport at Rudding Park on Tuesday, August 11.

He will be joined by Olympic champion Tessa Sanderson CBE and the charity's Chief Executive, Stephanie Hilborne OBE.

The afternoon will bring together supporters from across Yorkshire's business, sporting and charitable communities for conversation, afternoon tea and fundraising, with proceeds supporting Women in Sport's research, campaigning and partnerships.

Women in Sport is working to tackle the barriers preventing girls from taking part in sport, with research showing there remains a 24 per cent gender gap in team sport participation.

This means nearly one million fewer girls than boys in England are currently involved in team sports.

The event comes at a landmark moment for women's sport, following this year's ICC Women's T20 World Cup and the historic return of women's Test cricket at Lord's.

Jim has been a passionate advocate for women's sport for more than two decades.

A lifelong cricket enthusiast, he helped establish the women's section at Hampstead Cricket Club after recognising that girls wanted opportunities to play in their own teams and has remained a vocal supporter of the women's game ever since.

He said: "It's been wonderful to see women's sport capturing the nation's attention this summer, from cricket to tennis, and long may that continue.

"But the real legacy of these moments will be whether more girls feel inspired to get involved themselves.

"I've seen first-hand the difference it makes when girls are given the opportunity to play sport in an environment where they feel they belong.

"It's about friendship, teamwork, resilience and the joy that comes from being part of something.

"That's why I'm proud to support Women in Sport and delighted to be part of this event in Yorkshire."

Tessa Sanderson added: “Sport changed my life.

"It gave me self-belief, purpose and opportunities I could never have imagined, but I know that too many girls still face barriers that stop them taking part or believing they belong.

"Every girl deserves the chance to discover what she's capable of through sport, whatever her background or ability.

"I'm delighted to be joining Women in Sport in Yorkshire to celebrate what's possible and help raise vital funds so that many more girls can experience the same life-changing opportunities that sport gave me."

Stephanie Hilborne, Chief Executive of Women in Sport, said: "We're seeing unprecedented momentum for women's sport.

"This summer has captured the imagination of the nation, from the Women's T20 World Cup and the return of women's Test cricket at Lord's to the incredible performances at Wimbledon and Queen's.

"It's inspiring to see women's sport receiving the visibility it deserves.

"Our challenge now is to make sure that inspiration reaches every community, school and sports club.

"We want every girl to have the chance to discover a sport she loves and feel that she belongs.

"Sport is one of the most powerful tools we have to improve physical and mental wellbeing, develop resilience, teamwork and leadership, and equip girls with skills that will benefit them throughout their education, careers and lives.

"We're incredibly grateful to Jim and Tessa for lending their voices to this cause and helping us bring people together to create lasting change."

The fundraising afternoon will feature guest speakers, afternoon tea and opportunities for guests to support Women in Sport's work to create a future where every woman and girl feels they belong in sport.

Tables of eight are available for £650, while individual tickets cost £90.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit https://buytickets.at/womeninsport