Should we call it Hannah's Horsebox?
Hannah Francis wanted to help other horse-lovers facing life changing illnesses to be with horses....
We were inspired, as so many others were, at Hannah's campaign to #kickcancersbutt. She drew attention to the shock and brutality of life changing illnesses that we were personally aware of too.
So to have their support for the Happiness Horsebox is incredibly special. We hope that we can work together to help Wilberry make some wishes come true, and support them at events where we both want to draw attention to the need for horses to help people when life gets very tough. Here is is a short summary of her story..
Hannah Francis wanted to bring some joy into people’s lives when life is really tough. What drove her desire to grant wishes was the extraordinary kindness of many people in the equestrian world who allowed her to fulfil her own bucket list after she was diagnosed with terminal cancer at 17.
She had some amazing experiences that spurred her on throughout treatment. As she said 'when she rode a horse it ‘made her feel normal again’.... This had the most powerful impact on Hannah, and gave her the spirit and resolve to continue #kickingcancersbutt. Willberry ponies are famous throughout the horse world!
Hannah wanted try and help other seriously ill people by giving them truly memorable equine experiences.
She established her charity, Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony, to fund research into bone cancer, particularly Osteosarcoma and to provide Willberry’s Wishes to seriously ill people of all ages, or an immediate family member of someone suffering from a terminal condition. THe charity's aim is to help grant wishes for seriously ill people and their families of an equine nature.
A wish from Willberry could range from a VIP visit to an event, race meeting or show, meeting a favourite equestrian personality – both human and equine, a special yard visit or, perhaps a sit on a horse.
Willberry is now carrying on Hannah’s work and will make sure the experience is a truly special and memorable one. Of course there may be circumstances that cannot be accommodated for many reasons, but be assured the charity will always do the best to provide something very special.