⭐ BINKY IS THE WINNER OF THE HANNAH FRANCIS AWARD 2025 ⭐
You may remember that, earlier this year, we opened nominations for The Hannah Francis Award — a beautiful bronze to honour inspirational young eventers such as Hannah. We had so many nominations this year — LOTS of stories of individuals with buckets full of grit and determination. Thank you for all your nominations.
We are delighted to announce that the winner for 2025 is Grace, known to many as Binky ⭐
Kathy, Yasmin, Willberry, Binky & James
Binky was diagnosed, aged 7, with T Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma and started many months of brutal but vital treatment. A beautiful, happy, sporty pony mad little girl became a shadow of herself, but just like Hannah her ponies helped her find her smile a day 💕. Willberry waved his magic hoof in 2017 when Binky got to ride with Father Christmas on his sleigh at Olympia for her 'Willberry's Wish'. FIGHTING HARD AND NEVER GIVING UP 🐴 Binky's Mum and rock Kathy was diagnosed with breast cancer some years later, but thankfully she now has the all clear. After very tough times for all, Binky continues to fight and in true Binky style, Stormberry and Matty Menlo competed at Badminton Grassroots in May, which was absolutely incredible!
Binky lives a long way from us, so it has taken us a little time to organise the presentation. As Binky's hero, Yasmin Ingham Eventing, was so lovely and agreed to help us make a young girl's dream come true. So many people were involved! Thank you also to the fantastic team at Frickley Park Horse Trials for allowing us to present the award at your amazing event and for the yummy cake!
We loved meeting Binky and Kathy at the weekend. Binky knew that she had won the award and was coming to Frickley Horse Trials for the presentation, but she did not know that Yasmin was going to meet her, and it was such a surprise!
Binky said, "I am delighted but very humbled to receive Hannah’s beautiful award, thank you to everyone who nominated and to everyone who made the day possible."
We are so thankful to Yasmin Ingham Eventing who not only presented The Hannah Francis Award to Binky but also took Binky on a course walk. Of course Willberry tagged along to make sure she was giving the correct instructions 😉
Congratulations to Binky from everyone at Team Willberry ⭐
A huge thank you to Yasmin Ingham Eventing and Frickley Park Horse Trials 💕 Also, thank you Amy Goodman. Sculptor & Portrait Artist for creating the gorgeous bronze of Hannah. We are very grateful to you all.
#InspiredByHannah #makingmemories