Elizabeth Church
Sophie and Cassie's Wobbleberry Challenge
Fundraising for Hannah's Willberry Wonder Pony Charity
Story
The Willberry Wonder Pony charity was set up by 17 year old Hannah Francis.
After enduring many months of pain in her leg and back, Hannah was diagnosed with aggressive Bone Cancer (Osteosarcoma) on 1st May 2015.
Although only 17 years old Hannah has been a lifelong horse-rider and was aiming (and achieving) great things in the world of eventing, chasing her dream to compete at top level.
Prior to her diagnosis Hannah had been eventing two of her horses despite the awful pain she was in. Even during her treatment she continued to ride and compete, and fulfilled her dream of competing internationally in the colours of GB.
Hannah's bravery and sheer determination in the face of such a horrific illness was awesome in itself. Yet, she did not stop there. She wanted to be able to help others battling the same illness, so with the help of her friends, the Willberry Wonder Pony was created to aid research into Bone Cancer, and grant wishes to those similarly affected by this dreadful illness.
During her illness Hannah was gifted a soft toy horse called Willberry. It is the face of this soft toy which fronts her charity. Willberry went everywhere with Hannah and became her (now very famous) mascot.
Sadly Hannah lost her battle with bone cancer in August 2016 at the age of 18 years but her charity well and truly lives on.
I feel truly privileged to be able to ride for this wonderful charity, and I hope to raise as much money as I can to help kick cancer's butt.
Completing an affiliated BE80 Eventing competition by the end of 2017 is a tall ask of Cassie and I who are definitely more at home in a dressage arena or show ring. We will however put our everything into the challenge, that is for sure. Hopefully our journey to and through BE80 will be neither dramatic or traumatic.
Completing an affiliated BE80 Eventing competition by the end of 2017 is a tall ask of Cassie and I who are definitely more at home in a dressage arena or show ring. We will however put our everything into the challenge, that is for sure. Hopefully our journey to and through BE80 will be neither dramatic or traumatic.
Cassie is currently in holiday mode but we aim to be up and running again for February.
Meanwhile may I ask if you could spare a few pennies or pounds to help us reach our target for this brilliant charity.
Any help and support is always gratefully received whether in our training, fitness, diets, fundraising or simply just cheering us on from the sidelines.
Thank you for bearing with this rather long essay and thank you even more for your support.
I will try to keep our supporters / followers updated with our progress as regularly as I can.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
Sophie and Cassie