An award is being set up to honour the courage of young eventer Hannah Francis.
Fifteen equestrian companies including Horse & Hound, Washbrook Farm, KBIS, Kate Negus Saddlery, Haygain, Wellington Riding and Equilibrium Products are funding a sculpture for the Hannah Francis Award.
The award will be presented to an inspirational young eventer at the Event Owners Association dinner in November.
“We set up the award to recognise Hannah and all the work she’s done to raise money for charity,” said Emma Prest from KBIS, who was given the idea by eventer Clare Mowbray.
Equestrian sculptor Amy Goodman was approached by KBIS to create a bronze of Hannah jumping with her famous mascot Willberry Wonder Pony on the back of the saddle.
“I have been following Hannah and Willberry for a while and it is a great honour to make this award for them,” said Miss Goodman, who is giving her time freely.
The clay work is being finished today (21 July) in Ms Goodman’s Hampshire studio. She hopes to show it to Hannah before the final moulding and casting takes place in the Talos Art Foundry.
Last July the sculptor unveiled her life-size Romsey War Horse sculpture to much acclaim.
On her Facebook page, Hannah said she was “so honoured” by the sculpture and “can’t wait to see the final piece”.
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Throughout her illness Hannah has worked to help others in a similar position by raising thousands through her Willberry Wonder Pony charity.
The campaign was originally set up to buy Hannah a wig after she was first diagnosed with bone cancer on 1 May 2015.
With the help of best friend Olivia Robertson a website and Facebook page was set up selling wristbands, oneseies and Willberry hat silks and silver charm bracelets.
For more information, click here.
