Willberry’s Wishes were created by Hannah for special people like Ava-Mae and her family.

Nicola, Ava-Mae's Mum wanted to share their story with our supporters. Ava had always wished for her own pony every birthday and Christmas, so at the end of June 2024 we bought her her very own pony. Sadly, just a week later, she wasn’t feeling well at all. We took her to the doctors, where the doctor sat us down and said she thought it could be cancer. Ava was sent straight to Exeter Hospital for blood tests, and the following day it was confirmed that Ava had leukaemia. She was immediately transferred to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children to begin treatment.

Chemotherapy was intense, and Ava became very poorly. She developed candida, a severe thrush infection affecting her mouth and gut. Because the chemotherapy had destroyed her immune system, she couldn’t fight the infection. She later went down for a procedure and, unfortunately, aspirated, causing fluid to enter her lungs. Over the next few days her breathing worsened, and she wasn’t getting enough oxygen. On 27th July, doctors made the decision to move Ava to intensive care and intubate her.

Ava was in critical condition and spent seven and a half weeks in intensive care, fighting for her life. During this time, she also developed sepsis and pneumonia. On 13th August, we received the incredible news that Ava was in remission. On 18th September, she was discharged from intensive care, unable to walk and needing to relearn how to eat and speak. She then underwent intense daily rehabilitation while still in Bristol.

We were later allowed to return home on the condition that Ava could continue outpatient physiotherapy locally, which Vranch House in Exeter kindly agreed to provide. We finally came home on 22nd October. Since then, Ava has gone from strength to strength—returning to school, walking again, riding, and doing the things she loves. Ava’s treatment is due to end in August 2026.

Sadly, Ava no longer has her pony, but once she finishes treatment and regains her full strength, we will look into buying her another one.

As Ava began to feel a little stronger, we knew it was time for her Willberry’s Wish. On her application, Ava said she would love to go to the London International Horse Show with her mummy, daddy, and brother—so that’s exactly what we did.

We set off at the crack of dawn for a road trip to ExCeL for the amazing London International Horse Show. I was so excited to meet Ava-Mae and her family. They had travelled up from Devon the night before, and I hoped they’d had a restful evening at the hotel.

                                           

It was lovely to meet Ava-Mae, Braydon, and their mum and dad, Nicola and Dan. Not only was it Ava’s Willberry’s Wish day, but it was also her 11th birthday. We had a lovely chat, handed over the tickets, and made arrangements to meet later at the show.

They headed off to explore the shops, with Ava spending some of her birthday money—it really was horsey heaven. Time flew by, and soon it was time for the afternoon performance. Braydon was especially excited to see the Shetland Pony Grand National, while Ava couldn’t wait to see it all.

The show was incredible, starting with the CS15* Cavago Six Bar, which had us all on the edge of our seats. Ava was sitting right at the front, completely absorbed.  We saw lots of jumping, some crazy dogs running through tunnels and galloping very fast!  And then lots of little Doris’s with jockeys, racing one another - so exciting! To round off the show, the big man himself, Father Christmas, made an appearance, and I’m sure he even gave me a special wave.

        

I was thrilled that we managed to arrange a personal invitation for Ava and her family to meet Father Christmas and his cheeky elf. He even had a little gift for them—it was such a special moment, and Ava was smiling from ear to ear.

 

As an extra treat to end the day, a lovely lady named Wiggy met us backstage and gave us a guided tour of the stables. Ava even got to meet her favourite Shetland pony, Bonny. Special thanks to Fiona, Wiggy, Reece and Jon for helping to make Ava’s Willberry’s Wish so memorable.

After such a big day at the London International Horse Show, Ava was completely shattered. She returned to the hotel with her family for a special birthday takeaway—the perfect ending to a perfect day.

Team Willberry was delighted that Ava felt well enough to spend Sunday sightseeing in London, creating a truly memorable weekend away for the whole family – Ava keep being the amazing girl you are 💕

PHOTO CREDITS, thank you for allowing us to share these beautiful photos - Jon Stroud Media and London International Horse Show: Peter Nixon | Rose Lewis