Earlier this year, we opened nominations for The Hannah Francis Award – a beautiful bronze trophy created to honour inspirational young eventers, just like Hannah.

We received so many wonderful nominations this year, with LOTS of incredible stories of young people showing huge amounts of courage, grit and determination. It was a very difficult job choosing just one winner, and we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate someone special ❤️

We are delighted to announce that the winner of the 2026 Hannah Francis Award is Mila ⭐

The presentation has been a little tricky to arrange, but Willberry got there in the end, with a little help from Kitty King and Cornbury Horse Trials.

On Thursday 10th September, we made our way to the amazing Cornbury Horse Trials. The sun was shining, and what a wonderful venue it was!

Mila came along with her mum, Eve, her sister Aria, her Nana June and her Pony Club DC, Anne.  We were also delighted to be joined by Emma Cover, who founded the Hannah Francis Award, making it even more special to have her there to celebrate with us.

We all met up with Kitty, and Mila was soon telling her all about her horses.  Kitty was competing at Cornbury and very kindly invited us to walk the cross-country course with her. 

We were quite a large party so Kitty, Mila and Willberry were the only ones allowed inside the ropes!  Willberry insisted on tagging along to make sure Kitty was giving the correct advice 😉 

   

You could see Mila soaking up every piece of information as they walked the course together. It was a very special opportunity for a young rider who absolutely loves eventing.

Then it was time for the presentation!  The adults enjoyed some bubbles, while Willberry, Mila and Aria had the very important job of drinking the OJ! 🥂🍊

Fifteen-year-old Mila is an incredibly inspiring young rider whose determination, resilience and love of horses shine through everything she does.

Mila has lived with complex health challenges since birth and has faced more hospital appointments, procedures and uncertainty than most young people could ever imagine.  Her conditions affect several areas of her health, including her spine, lungs, digestive system and eyesight, and she lives with significant pain.  She has also faced the frightening possibility of losing her sight.

Yet, despite everything she has been through, Mila refuses to let her health define her.

Horses have always been at the heart of Mila’s life.  She has been riding since she was just two years old and has dreamed of eventing since she was eight.  Her determination to keep riding and competing, even when her body makes things incredibly difficult, is truly remarkable.

Mila has achieved so much in the saddle.  She has competed successfully in Pony Club, NSEA, British Riding Clubs and British Eventing

But it isn't simply Mila's achievements that make her so deserving of the Hannah Francis Award.

It is the way she approaches every challenge.

Her mum describes Mila as someone who “never lets on” just how difficult things can be.She doesn't want to be seen as different, and she simply gets on with things.  But as she has grown older, Mila has begun to recognise that what she has faced can be a source of strength and perhaps even inspiration to others.

And that is something we believe Hannah would have understood completely.

Mila's determination is incredible, but perhaps what is most special about her is that, despite everything she faces herself, she is always there to support other people. She is humble, kind and encouraging, and her mum says this is one of the things she finds most amazing about her.

We are incredibly proud to present Mila with the Hannah Francis Award.

   

James and Rachel were both incredibly moved by Mila’s nomination. So many of the things her mum had written about her resonated deeply with us and reminded us of Hannah – her determination, her love of horses, her refusal to give up, and the way she continues to support and encourage others despite everything she faces herself.

All of these qualities embody so much of what this award represents. Just like Hannah, Mila shows us that even when life throws the most difficult challenges your way, you can keep moving forward, keep dreaming and keep believing.

Mila, we hope you know just how inspiring you are. ❤️🐴

A huge thank you to Kitty King Eventing, Cornbury Horse Trials and Meg McCoy Media ❤️

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 💖

I have a very special wish story to share with you...

When Pippa’s mum first approached us, it was after Polly, who cared for both Hannah and Pippa at the Royal United Hospital, mentioned Willberry’s Wishes.  Pippa, aged 9, had spent the previous three years bravely fighting a spinal cord tumour, and she had one very special wish – to enjoy a real horse-riding adventure alongside the people she loved most.  She wanted to share the experience with her two sisters and two cousins, making it a truly special family day.

I wanted Pippa to feel completely relaxed and able to enjoy every moment without worrying about any practical challenges.  Hannah knew how important it was for the special people we help to feel relaxed and forget about everything else that is going on. I got straight to work and soon found the perfect place – Riding for the Disabled in Wilton. Sally and her amazing team were determined to make sure Pippa had the very best day possible, and before long all the plans were coming together.

After a little juggling to find a date that worked for everyone, we finally settled on 23rd May – perfect timing for the half-term break. The day approached very quickly, and I have to say I had it all covered – venue, ponies, helpers, photographer, goody bags, picnic tea AND CAKE... because we all need cake!

When the day arrived, the sun was shining and it was very warm. We met Sally and her team early to finalise the plans before welcoming Pippa, Maddie, Eliza, Holly and Sophie, along with their families.  The girls arrived full of excitement and had even brought beautiful thank-you cards and drawings for everyone involved.

     

Soon, five gorgeous ponies walked into the riding school – one for each girl.  Pippa was paired with a handsome pony called Sparky, and the girls were very excited and couldn’t wait to mount their rides!

               

After a few laps around the school to get comfortable in the saddle, it was clear that all five girls were natural riders.  Before long, they headed out into the woodland, where they chatted happily to their ponies and the volunteers leading them, eager to learn everything they could about their four-legged friends.  It made my heart pound when I was allowed to sit on Sparky’s mane for a photograph with Pippa in the woodland!

The ponies behaved beautifully throughout the ride and, back at the riding school, the girls helped untack their ponies before grooming them and giving them their well-earned tea.  Pippa particularly enjoyed pampering Sparky, who was looking especially shiny by the time she had finished.

Then Sally asked if the girls would like to take the ponies to their paddocks for the evening.  The girls were thrilled! I could barely keep up as ponies and riders headed off together.  Pippa certainly wasn’t going to miss out and sent her dad off for a super-nifty gadget for her wheelchair. Within seconds, she was motorised and travelling alongside Sparky as he made his way to his paddock.

            

I have to say Sparky was a little hungry (and a little bit rude!). He kept diverting to the grass verge for a good mouthful whenever he could.  He was super determined and surprisingly strong when food was involved!

After such an exciting afternoon, everyone gathered in the RDA meeting room for a picnic tea, refreshing cold drinks and, naturally, cake.  The wonderful RDA volunteers joined us for tea while the girls chatted and giggled about their afternoon adventures.

            

To round off the occasion, each girl received a rosette and a goody bag to remember Pippa’s Willberry’s Wish.

It was a truly magical afternoon filled with smiles, laughter and precious family memories.  Watching Pippa enjoy every moment alongside her sisters and cousins was incredibly special, and we are so grateful to everyone who helped make her wish come true.

Pippa, keep being the amazing girl you are. ❤️

Lots of love,

Willberry

A special thank you to the amazing team at RDA, Wilton and to Ellie Grimsey Photography.

Entries close for The Hannah Francis Award on Sunday 31st May 2026

For an Inspirational Young Eventer

The Hannah Francis Award was set up in 2016 to recognise and honour the inspirational person that Hannah was. Hannah's courage in personal adversity astounds us all, she was led by her dreams not her fears.  

In 2015, Hannah Francis was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at the age of 17. Osteosarcoma is a rare form of bone cancer which typically affects children and young adults. Her diagnosis was terminal. Despite this horrific news, Hannah fought her illness with extraordinary courage and dignity, enduring months of appalling side effects from her treatment, as well as constant pain. Hannah an accomplished and talented horse rider who was destined for international recognition. Horses were Hannah’s life and she wanted to continue to ride and fulfil her bucket list. She wrote to many in the equestrian world who she visited and quite often got to ride their elite rides. Despite being in constant, excruciating pain and no longer able to walk, Hannah continued riding until the very end, even being invited to ride in Great Britain colours which was the proudest of moments.  

Hannah was given a soft toy horse called Willberry The Wonder Pony shortly after her diagnosis. Hannah started to tell her arduous and deeply moving story through social media, using Willberry as her voice. Many began following her Instagram and Facebook pages and soon tens of thousands of people became aware of Hannah’s journey, from diagnosis through to the archaic and hopeless treatment regime she was forced to endure.  Her memory and selflessness continues with the positive legacy she set up, Hannah's Willberry Wonder Pony Charity, which funds research into bone caner, particularly osteosarcoma and 'Willberry's Wishes', granting equine related wishes to seriously ill people.

Emma had been following Hannah’s journey on social media when an eventing friend contacted her to ask if she could think of anyone who would be able to set up an award for Hannah as she was so inspiring and doing so much for others and raising awareness. Emma couldn't think of anyone to approach to set up an award so decided to do it herself. She contacted an amazing local artist Amy Goodman, whose work she had seen displayed at Wellington Horse Trials. Amy had also been following Hannah’s journey and very kindly gave her services free of charge to create the most beautiful bronze of Hannah and her horse 'Mavis' jumping over a fence. Once Amy had created what was going to be the bronze out of clay it had to be cast, which required funding, Emma approached 10 companies who were keen to support the award and covered the cost of the bronze. Once finished, the bronze travelled to different events so that it could be seen by fellow eventers and supporters. 

Devastatingly Hannah never got to see the finished bronze. Amy met her with a model of it to discuss exactly how she would like it be finished just a few days before Hannah passed away.

When the competition was first opened unsurprisingly a huge number of entries were for Hannah and it was awarded to her posthumously. 

2017 HANNAH LOUISE FRANCIS

2018 EMILY MUSTOW

2019 CLAIRE DREY-BROWN

2022 FIONA HOWARD

2023 FINLAY SCOTT

2024 HOLLY DENEGRI

2025 GRACE SMITH (Binky)

Thank you for your applications.  Willberry has been incredibly moved by this year's applicants, whose talent, determination, and commitment have made the judging process exceptionally challenging.  It will be a very difficult decision, and we thank you for your patience while we carefully consider each application.