Lindsay has been an incredible supporter of Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony for years, using her marathon running to raise money for the charity.  Sadly, last year she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and underwent gruelling chemotherapy treatment and a mastectomy at the end of January.  Incredible lady that she is, she was back running and pushing herself despite the treatment, and in October she actually completed the virtual London Marathon just four days after a chemo session, raising an incredible £1200 for Hannah and Willberry, with her very special little Ringoberry by her side throughout!  Lindsay is also one of our amazing 16 runners for Bath Half, we are thrilled to have her as part of #teamwillberry 💗

Well, Willberry decided that Lindsay deserved a special treat for everything she has gone through, and worked with his volunteers to think of a big surprise during these limited times.  Something extra special that wasn’t too far from her home in Ivybridge in Devon.... no competitions open to spectators yet.... no big events happening.... how about somebody very special in the eventing world..... Bingo!!  A treat for Ringo!! And Lindsay of course 😊 Who better to go and visit than our country’s leading lady, Olympic medallist, Badminton and Burghley winner, World Games and European Championships gold medallist, the wonderful Mary King!

As soon as we asked Mary if she could give Lindsay a trip around her yard, she said an immediate and unequivocal “Yes!” and a date was set!

And so, on a slightly damp Wednesday in June, Lindsay and Ringoberry made their way excitedly to meet a true Eventing legend in real life!  She took her three best friends along with her too, who have supported and cheered her through all her difficult times, and their close bond is obvious.  Jill and Maryberry, Sam and Remyberry and Zoe and Ladyberry came with Lindsay to meet the Wish fairies first for a coffee in a local café, where the little Berries were equally thrilled to meet their own hero – Willberry!  What a time they had telling Willberry all about their lovely owners and the fun they had together with their horses.

Soon it was time to go and meet Mary, and what a warm welcome they received, both from Mary and her lovely dog Barney who hounded everyone to throw him a ball constantly!

Mary spent so much time chatting about her career, built from a clearly very determined small child with no horsey background through tough years of training with the indomitable Sheila Wilcox to her hugely successful eventing career, which is far from finished yet!

Lindsay and her friends were shown all around the yard, met some of Mary’s lovely young homebred horses and even had a guided tour of the impressive lorry, complete with slide out which Zoe accidentally triggered by leaning on a button!!

To top off the amazing experience they were even treated to tea and homemade flapjacks by Mary in her beautiful home – they had to keep pinching themselves!!  Lindsay and Mary even had a common bond as Mary is competing in the London Marathon later this year, so many tactics to discuss!

Willberry had decided the morning held one more treat for the lovely ladies, so they all went to Sidmouth for a lovely lunch at the Fort Café overlooking the sea, which despite the yukky rain which had settled by then was still a fantastic place to complete the wonderful morning.  Ringoberry and the other Berries just had to go and dip their toes in the surf too, even though their manes and tails got a little soggy too, it was worth it!

We cannot say a big enough thank you to Mary King for her kindness, warmth and generosity in giving her time to share her home with Lindsay, it meant the absolute world to her and will be a memory she will never forget.

Keep running and keep #kickingcancersbutt Lindsay – you can do it 💗