Written By Team Willberry . - February 27 2026
Willberry recently caught up with Jon, who is embarking on a mighty challenge for Hannah.
When did you first hear about Hannah’s story?
I was aware of Hannah’s story from I believe nearly the very beginning, although only from a distance at first. My partner, in her younger days, did a lot of eventing in the area, along with her siblings, and the family still keep horses now. If I remember rightly, something appeared on my social media feed years ago - possibly through one of their connections commenting about Hannah - and that was when I started reading more about Hannah’s incredibly brave journey while she was still alive, and the legacy she was already creating. Since then, I’ve also seen Willberry Wonder Pony at various events, which has always stayed with me. Then, if I fast forward a few years, it feels a little like fate that I ended up working alongside Matt Clark, who has sadly had his own battles with osteosarcoma. Seeing Matt and others take on such an incredible charity cycling challenge in 2024, and feeling the passion and support behind Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony, really spurred me on. Then when our Wells office chose Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony as the charity we wanted to support this year, it felt like an absolute given that I should finally do something myself - to give something back and help raise awareness.
What exactly is your challenge, and how did you come up with the idea?
I’ve been fortunate enough to run for most of my adult life. It’s my main form of exercise, and it helps me hugely - both physically and mentally. My job can be quite sedentary at times, so staying active is important to me. During Covid and lockdown, like many people, I found myself with a bit more time and started running more and running further than I ever thought I perhaps could. As lockdowns eased, I was fortunate to raise £2,400 for the Old Mill charitable fund by running 45 miles in one day (on my own) on a big loop from home, with my partner supporting me with food and water. So, when I started thinking about this challenge, I knew it would probably involve running again - but I wanted to do something different, something that may push me further physically, and hopefully feel worthy of people’s generosity and support. I wasn’t sure I could run 100 miles in one day, but I liked the idea of the 100-mile mark. So, I started thinking about whether I could do it cumulatively over one week, finishing with the Bath Half Marathon. That felt like a meaningful way to do it. And if I’m honest, I also liked the idea of finishing at an event - with an atmosphere, other runners, and that shared energy of many people doing something difficult for causes that matter deeply to them.
What motivates you to take on something of this scale for Hannah's Willberry Wonder Pony?
A big part of it is wanting to give back. I feel very fortunate to be able to run, and while I can, I want to use that ability to raise awareness and funds for causes that really matter - perhaps before my knees decide otherwise! As I mentioned, seeing Matt and his colleagues take on their incredible cycling challenge for the charity was a huge motivator for me. It was inspiring not just because of the physical challenge, but because of the clear passion behind it and what it represented. Hannah’s story is deeply moving, and the legacy she has left behind is extraordinary. To be able to play even a small part in supporting that legacy is a real privilege.
What are you most looking forward to, and what’s keeping you up at night?
I’ve already had the privilege of seeing such incredible support from family, friends, colleagues and clients, and that has been genuinely uplifting. The kind messages, encouragement and generous donations have meant a great deal. In a world that can sometimes feel full of difficult and negative news, seeing people come together to support others is a powerful reminder for me of the good that exists. There is something very special about people uniting to help those facing challenges far greater than their own. I’m also really looking forward (hopefully!) to getting to the Bath Half on the Sunday, crossing that finish line, and meeting some of the other Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony supporters and runners. If I’m honest, what keeps me up at night is probably the thought of letting people down. It’s quite a difficult challenge to train for because there isn’t really a true “dress rehearsal” for it. You can prepare as well as you can, but until you are in it, you don’t fully know how your body and mind will respond. That said, I keep coming back to the same thought: however hard this feels, it is temporary. For those affected by osteosarcoma, and for families like Hannah’s, the pain and heartache are on an entirely different scale - and for many, it did not lead to the outcome they so desperately wanted. That perspective stays with me.
How have you been preparing (physically and mentally!)?
As you can imagine, there has been quite a lot of running involved! Like many people, I have a busy family life and work life, so one of the biggest challenges has actually been finding the time to train consistently. To make it work, I’ve had to get my body used to running later in the evenings, which has taken some adjusting. I also have to say a huge thank you to my amazing partner, Samantha Gratton, who has been an incredible support throughout. She has been a real rock for me, and has also kept everything at home running when I’ve been out training. Like most things in life, this kind of challenge may look individual on the surface, but it is absolutely a team effort. At the time of writing, I’m just finishing the most intense part of the training, which has involved multiple back-to-back long distance runs. It has definitely been physically challenging (and at times very sore). Mentally, there have been difficult moments too - especially getting out in the wet, dark and cold after a long day at work. But each time, I come back to the same things: Hannah, the charity, the people affected by osteosarcoma, and the incredible support behind this challenge. Having that sense of purpose has helped enormously.
What an amazing challenge Jon is tackling. We can't wait to cheer him, and the rest of #TeamWillberry, through the finish line of Bath Half.
Fund vital research into osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer that mainly affects children and young adults.
Help us grant more 'Willberry’s Wishes' to seriously ill people and their families, creating magical horsey memories and bringing smiles during the toughest times.
