Written By Team Willberry . - December 19 2022
Seven-year-old Dylan is pony mad. Ponies are his life, and he was off competing almost every weekend, until earlier this year when he began to feel unwell. After six months of misdiagnosis, it was confirmed that he has Ewing Sarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer which mainly affects children and young adults.
His mum Jessica wrote to Willberry asking if Dylan could have a Berry pony in the first instance, but Willberry was determined that he could do something much more than that for little Dylan. When he asked Jessica if he had any special wishes, she said he would love to go to the London international Horse Show, and if possible, sit on Santa’s sleigh.
This was definitely something that Willberry could help with, as the organisers of the show have been so helpful with wishes in previous years, we were hopeful that they would be again. Well of course they needn’t have worried, they were incredibly helpful and the wheels were all set in motion for the big day...
Dylan arrived first thing with his Mum Jess, they were both so excited and headed straight to the shops, the shopping at The London International is huge and they were not disappointed!
Dylan and his Mum went to the afternoon performance on Saturday and could not believe the show, The GS Equestrian Pony Club Mini-Major, The Kennel Club Large Dog Jumping Grand Prix, Devil’s Horsemen, Shetland Pony Grand National and so much more….. Dylan loved it and was so full of energy when it had finished, amazing considering he had received treatment only the day before.
Willberry met Dylan and Jess after the show with the lovely Fiona from The London International Horse Show, and we went to find Father Christmas. Father Christmas greeted Dylan and asked him if he would like a ride on his sleigh, well of course Dylan was up for that! Pulled by two beautiful horses, Dylan and Father Christmas shot off around the arena……..WOW!
Now on to the backstage tour, Dylan was off like a shot speeding off on his crutches – straight to the Shetlands. Dylan helped Vera feed some of the ponies, and even got to meet ‘Duble’ his favorite.
Dylan went around the stables stroking noses and then to his delight on his way out, Dan Delsart had brought the amazing ‘Granby’ out to see him. Willberry couldn’t believe how tall he was - ‘Granby’ was a giant! Dylan had had lessons with Dan on his own pony before he became poorly.
Dylan was incredibly still full of energy when Willberry said his goodbyes - Dylan you are one tough little boy so keep #kickingcancersbutt ❤️