Hannah Francis at Tattersalls 2016. Photo courtesy of Jack Lyons Media.
The global equestrian community mourns the loss of heroic Hannah Francis, who died today following a battle with an aggressive form of bone cancer. She was 18 years old.
Hannah bravely and publicly shared her fight on social media and established a lasting legacy in the Wilberry Wonder Pony charity, which upholds a mission to “continue #kickingcancersbutt by funding bone cancer research and granting #willberrywishes to those who are ill with horsey dreams.”
She accomplished her own big horsey dream at Tattersalls in June when she and her lovely mare Mavis performed the dressage test rides, allowing her to ride internationally for Britain. Since her diagnosis last year, countless people from around the world have been #inspiredbyhannah and shared stories of how she personally touched their lives.
While this is a heartbreaking day for so many of us who cheered for Hannah and followed her fight, her memory will live on through her lasting charity work with Wilberry and in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Hannah, we will never forget. Rest in peace.
Hannah you were simply extraordinary. #riphannah ❤️
— Alice Plunkett/Foxpi (@aliceplunkett) August 1, 2016
Devastated to hear the AMAZING Hannah Francis has sadly passed away What an inspiration she has been.. #RIPHannah pic.twitter.com/JUg3fo1Uq1 — Laura Collett (@CollettEventing) August 1, 2016
RIP Hannah. You are amazing and your memory will live on with @chiefchemopony You have inspired so many. # pic.twitter.com/IiENifDeyN
— Jenny Rudall (@JennyRudall) August 1, 2016
RIP Hannah. An inspiration to each & everyone of us to be positive! Gone but NEVER forgotten! #eventinglive pic.twitter.com/8Y68KxvNOh — Uptown Eventing (@UptownEventing) August 1, 2016
Look out for a new star shining bright tonight. Our thoughts and prayers are with Hannah and her family. #RIPHannah x
— The Gaitpost (@thegaitpost) August 1, 2016
