Willberry received a new Wish application from a lovely lady called Kate for her 19-year-old daughter, Lucy.

Lucy has been battling chronic pain and fatigue for some time, and then recently lost the use of her legs with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND ).  Lucy had been riding at Chiverton RDA near Truro for some time and said the horses saved her life – they gave her hope and purpose.  She also loved to volunteer there, helping with lessons.  "Lucy is the most kind and caring person you could meet" said her Mum, "She brings smiles to all who meet her."

When she lost the use of her legs, Lucy was devastated that she could no longer ride. However, the amazing Diane, who runs Chiverton RDA, also offers carriage driving lessons, meaning Lucy was still able to continue connecting with the beloved horses she had built such a bond with. 

   

She still desperately missed the riding, and that was when Diane suggested contacting Willberry to see if he could make her wish come true.  Diane had worked with other people whose Willberry's Wishes had been granted, so she knew just how much of a difference it could make to Lucy and her family. 

As there was no hoist at Chiverton, the only Centre close enough where Lucy would be able to ride again was at Lakefield Riding Centre near Camelford. 

Willberry was quickly on the case and spoke to Becky who, together with Mark, runs Lakefield Riding Centre.  Both are RDA Advanced Coaches with experience of preparing and taking riders to National Championships and British Dressage Para Equestrian competitions, so there could be lots of exciting possibilities for Lucy in the future.

Becky was able to arrange some lessons for Lucy with Mark, and Willberry was super excited to report back to Kate and Lucy with the exciting news.  They were absolutely thrilled.

Lucy loved her first lesson with Mark, and as Kate said, "She smiled from ear to ear the whole time – until she went to sleep!"  At Lucy’s next lesson they went through a dressage test used in RDA competitions, Lucy was exhausted afterwards!

A few weeks later Lucy was suddenly told that they had entered her for a regional dressage competition - in 3 days' time!!  Flat panic all round as Lucy had no competition clothing, but a frantic phone call to Diane soon calmed the nerves as she came up trumps with a full outfit for Lucy to borrow.  She had to ride a horse she had never sat on before in a routine she had only ridden once but in true Lucy style she rose to the challenge with a huge smile on her face.

   

Incredibly, Lucy came 3rd in her group, which was fantastic, with a score that would have qualified her for nationals, but sadly only the top two scores qualify.  But what an amazing experience, and what a cool customer she proved to be!  We know that Hannah would have been so proud of Lucy and cheering her on every step of the way.  And having had a taste of success so soon in her time at Lakefield, Willberry feels sure Lucy will be telling him about more outings in the future... We can't wait to hear them! 

Our thanks to the tireless and selfless Diane and all the lovely volunteers at Chiverton RDA, and to Mark at Lakefield Riding Centre for his encouragement and support for Lucy.

And to Lucy, we are so proud of everything you have achieved already and know how much more you will accomplish in the future.  The journey is only just beginning, so keep chasing your dreams.  As Hannah always said, "Dream Big, Fight Hard and Never Give Up."

We have no doubt you will achieve your dreams 💖