Event rider Hannah Francis a brave, courageous and determined character, sadly lost her battle to bone cancer today (1 August 2016).

Hannah was diagnosed with osteosarcoma an aggressive form of bone cancer in her pelvis, spine and lungs on the 1 May 2015. No matter how much pain she was in or treatment she was undergoing, teenager Hannah was determined to tell her story through social media, gathering an amazing 25,000 visitors to her Facebook page a week.

She also set up a registered charity, Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony Charity to raise funds for further research into bone cancer, proving how determined she was to make something positive out of her situation. “The more we tell people, the more they will help us raise money, so that one day in the future someone receiving a diagnosis like mine won’t be told it’s terminal, they’ll be told how it’s going to be treated,” said Hannah, yet again her thoughtful nature and future thinking of others shone through.

She was an inspiration to many throughout the equine world from Olympic eventers to local riders as they watched her not only achieve her own goals by riding the CCI two-star guinea pig dressage test at Tattersalls, but also providing the opportunity for others to achieve their dreams through the Willberry Wishes, another part of her charity.

Hannah’s one fear perhaps showing her vulnerable side, was not to be forgotten when she lost her battle to cancer, but she most certainly will not be forgotten.

Our thoughts are with Hannah’s family and friends at this sad time.

www.justgiving.com/hannah-willberrywonderpony