COURAGEOUS Hannah Francis, the young British event rider, sadly passed away today after a tremenduous battle with cancer that saw her inspire hundreds of thousands of people around the world.

On May 2nd, 2015, the 17-year-old was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer, in her right hip and pelvis.

At the time she was intent on pursuing her dream of riding at the top level of three-day eventing. The diagnosis initially gave some hope with extensive use of chemotherapy, but Hannah soon came to a stark realisation.

As she said in her own words: “Now we know it is more likely to be a case of keeping on dreaming big, fighting hard and never, ever giving up – no matter what this evil disease continues to throw at us.”

#kickingcancersbutt

One year later and against all odds, she was still riding and had completed her first affiliated one day event. She was putting all her energy into “#kickingcancersbutt and inspiring people with her drive and determination.

Shortly after her diagnosis Hannah was given a stuffed toy pony which became known as Willberry the Wonder Pony.

Hannah and her mascot devoted much of their time and energy to raising money for charity, raising more than £110,000 by June of 2016.

What started as a local effort to raise funds to buy Hannah a decent wig after losing her hair, is now a formal charity – Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony Charity – established and driven by Hannah to raise funds for bone cancer research and to grant equine related wishes to seriously ill people and their families.

CHIEF CHEMO PONY

British international and fellow cancer sufferer Ben Hobday is patron of the charity. Ben recovered from leukaemia and was been an inspiration to Hannah and others in returning to the top level of equestrian support.

In 2016 he competed at the Badminton Horse Trials, finishing in 32nd place with his horse Mulry’s Error (known on social media as #V8supercob).

During the cross country phase Ben rode with Willberry, also known as Chief Chemo Pony, tucked into the back of his safety jacket, delighting thousands of fans and creating a storm on social media.

TATTERSALLS TRIUMPH

On the June bank holiday weekend, Hannah travelled to Ireland to complete one of her life goal’s – to ride under the British flag at an international event.

She and her bay mare Mavis were invited to ride the one and two-star tests at the Tattersalls International Horse Trials, which they did with aplomb.

“Thank you Tattersalls International Horse Trials and everyone else who totally made so many of my wishes reality today. It was magical,” she said afterwards.

A ‘relative’ of Wilbbery, dubbed Tattsberry, was carried cross-country in eight classes at Tattersalls by riders who donated more than €6,700 to the charity.

And the charity was further boosted by a €10,000 donation by Rafael Sanctuary and Michelle Kenny of River Lodge Eventing in Co Wexford.

Hannah’s Tattersalls triumph was immediately followed by a setback as she needed emergency surgery on her trip home to England.

Writing on her Facebook page, Francis (18) explained: “I was admitted to hospital where I had two operations after my bowels had burst due to such extensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy for my bone cancer.

“Fortunately I am now home and it was amazing to see #supermaveagain however I am heavily bed bound due to my epidural which has really helped my pain but prevented a lot of my leg use. We will keep our fingers crossed though that my body isn’t ready to give up the fight just yet because I’m definitely not!”

In the weeks since her visit to Ireland, Hannah continued to raise awareness and funds for her charity, meeting members of Team GB ahead of the Rio Olympics and even organising an FEI passport for her newest mascot, Billyberry, who will accompany Pippa Funnell at the Olympics.

A statement issued on the Wilberry Wonder Pony facebook page today read: “James, Rachel and Sam are deeply saddened to announce that today Hannah passed away.

“She has made every day count and has fought courageously from start to finish. They are immensely proud of their beautiful daughter and sister.

Please let Hannah's family have a little time to themselves.”

For details on how to donate go to www.justgiving.com/hannah-willberrrywonderpony