Willberry received a request for a wish from Vicki's mum Janette.  Janette wanted Vicki to have a day full of smiles and fun, a day where she could escape the four white walls of hospital that her incurable breast cancer has led her to.   

What was her wish? To attend the Investec Derby Festival 2018! Willberry could't wait to grant this one. 

At the age of just 11 years old bullying had a devastating effect on the young life of Annabelle Tomlinson. It triggered her to develop Anorexia Nervosa, the diagnosis of which wasn’t reached until a year later when her weight had plummeted from 52kg to 27kg, which meant Annabelle had to spend several months in hospital.

Whilst dealing with the psychological battle against her Anorexia Nervosa, sadly Annabelle’s first pony was put to sleep. She was lovingly and bravely by his side when the time came to say goodbye. In an effort to put a smile back on Annabelle’s face her parents got front row seats at the Liverpool International Horse Show, but disaster was to strike. The fire that engulfed the car park destroyed the families car. To add to the misfortune some of Anabelle’s Christmas presents were in the car and more devastatingly her life long companion and comforter, soft toy Derek.  

As soon as Willberry heard what had happened to Annabelle he sent her a Berry Pony to try and provide some of the companionship and comfort that was lost with her beloved Derek. Annabelle’s wish was to have a lesson with Olympian and show jumping legend John Whitaker!

Wand at the ready, Willberry got to work. As busy as John is, he kindly put time aside for Annabelle, but as the day of her lesson got closer Annabelle became poorly with flu and tonsillitis! Willberry frantically waved his wand to try and make her feel better but it was Annabelle’s determination that got her there on the day. Annabelle was a superstar during her lesson and her pony Jack was on his best behavior. Equestrian Photographer Adam Fanthorpe kindly donated his time and talent to capture some wonderful pictures of the lesson for Annabelle to keep.

Annabelle’s mum Sarah said that the Willberry Wish experience has had a really positive effect on Annabelle and since her lesson she has been to her first British Showjumping competition and jumped a double clear! A big thank you from Willberry to John and Clare Whitaker, Adam Fanthorpe and of course all of the HWWPC’s supporters for making this possible.

Sophie finished her treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2015, she remained in remission for 13 months but then it returned and Sophie had to endure even more treatment. Sophie was first nominated for a wish back in 2016 by her oncologist Louise. Sophie and Louise shared each others passion for riding and even competed against each other in the Riding Club horse trials, with Sophie winning her section! Seeing how much Sophie had been through and what she still had to face Louise wanted Sophie to have something to look forward to.

Sophie’s wish was simply to ride an advanced dressage horse. As soon as Willberry’s fairies found this out they started to get things organised. However, Sophie had to spend a lot of time in hospital, really missing out on riding her own horses. Chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant meant that Sophie needed time to recover and regain her strength. She did this amazingly well and with such motivation especially when she found out what Willberry had planned for her!

Willberry got talking to the lovely people at Summerhouse Equestrian and discovered that they have some beautiful school master horses as part of their ‘Prestige Training’ department. It was organised for Sophie to spend two afternoons there having lessons with international dressage rider Sara Gallop.

On the first day Sophie rode the stunning Bes who helped her perfect leg yield and shoulder in. Mango, her second steed, new all the tricks! He couldn’t wait to do flying changes and Sophie had to master leg and body position pretty quick to stop him doing them. They then got to play with piaffe and passage - they looked like real pros. 

After lessons, watching a professional ride and having video analysis of her sessions Sophie, her parents and Bazberry were able to enjoy a superb nights sleep in the glorious Hammonds Bed and Breakfast in Stroud. Sophie said it was out if this world! The luxury B&B is owned by Willberry supporter Bea Hyde and she really couldn’t have been more amazing or more helpful. Bea even organised for Sophie to spend the following morning at B & W Equine Hospital having a tour and even getting to watch some operations.

That afternoon Sophie was back onboard Mango doing leg yields and half passes followed by riding a horse called Larry who turned out to be her favourite as he was much more forward, like the race horses she used to ride. Sophie told us that the whole experience was amazing and something she will remember for life.    

Sophie wanted to ride a school master to help her when riding her own horses and she has clearly been putting what she learnt in to practice. Sophie attended some BD training on her own horse Leo and they have been selected to represent Somerset at the inter county extravaganza! Everyone at Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony Charity wishes them lots and lots of luck, love, happiness and health for the future.

Claire payed us a visit at Olympia when she was on the hunt for her very own Berry Pony, but more important to speak to the #WonderPony himself about having a very special Willberry Wish granted. 

Sadly Linda, Claire’s mother, had terminal lung cancer but she still had a lifetime dream, to go to the races. However Willberry’s help was needed, sadly Linda’s dream had a shorter deadline to become a reality due to her diagnosis. Nonetheless she was a fighter and determined to go before she became too poorly. Time really was of the essence with this one and Christmas didn’t help matters, but Willberry managed to send Linda and her grandson to Sandown on the 6th January. Not only this but they were treated like the VIP’s they are, with a stretch limo to take them there and a 3 course meal to keep them refreshed!

Linda said that she and Martin had a totally brilliant day (and the steak was the best she'd ever eaten!), the cherry on the cake was Martin ringing the bell for the jockeys to mount. The gorgeous smile and special thank you to Willberry and his team really is what gets Willberry up in the morning.

A special silver Willberry charm was gifted to last as memory, and this was indeed an incredibly special one. Sadly Linda lost her battle with that horrible C word on the 8th March, so Willberry continues to send his heartfelt love to Claire, Martin and the rest of Linda’s family.