Hannah Francis was just 17 when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer called osteosarcoma. She was absolutely courageous in her battle and never let go of her passion for horses and eventing, despite knowing her days were numbered.

Using her mascot Willberry Wonder pony she began to use donations made to her to help others with cancer and soon her charity was official.

The charity aims to support vital research into osteosarcoma and to grant equine related wishes to seriously ill people and their families.

#kickingcancersbutt was her tagline and I will be forever in awe of her bravery and strength of spirit.

Sadly cancer touches many many lives. This challenge/fund raising idea has struck a cord with me and here I will explain why... 

Early in 2016 I lost my dad to cancer (a different but equally aggressive type) after he fought a short and painful fight. I was devastated to watch him fade away before my eyes. Nothing can prepare you for watching someone you love lose their battle to this awful disease and the overwhelming all consuming grief which follows. It changes you forever.

Grieving is a strange experience. Everyday tasks become arduous and for me that included riding, at times I really felt like giving up. But deep down I knew I needed to carry on and I truly believe that if I hadn't had my pony to look after and ride I wouldn't have got out of bed or returned to work for a much longer time. At times I felt guilty for losing myself in riding but if I hadn't I think I would have gone insane.

Those that know me will know I had a pony when I was younger (thanks to my lovely generous dad). But he was a quirky thing who despised jumping and despite my best efforts to retrain him I spent more time in a heap on the floor that sailing over even the smallest of obstacles. Over a number of years this destroyed my confidence and left me somewhat scared of jumping.

Fast forward 15 years when I finally came to buy my own horse as an adult and for one reason or another ended up looking at Connemara ponies who have a natural talent for jumping. Ideally I should have bought something aged 8-10 that was already popping a course but no that would be easy and sensible! Where's the fun in that!?

Instead I got a five-year-old who had only ever popped a small log and was somewhat obese and unfit. But she has the sweetest temperament and loves to please. So after getting some weight off her during the winter me and Josey began learning to jump together in April 2016.

It is fair to say my lack of confidence has held us back but after attending adult summer camp in July 2016 and having a taste of one day eventing I knew I'd hit a turning point. I can now happily ride a course of 60/70cm showjumps without holding my breath! Cross country however is another matter but we will get there!

So yes we have made progress and I believe with some grit and determination we can improve to the point of tackling an 80cm course in the next year. I will not doubt be terrified but progress is not made by staying in one's comfort zone! For those that don't ride, trust me 10cm is a huge increase and the jumps aren't just that high they are also really wide and scary!

I know I am so damn lucky to have my health, my pony and the funds to compete and I am not going to waste time holding back because I'm scared.

Dad, Hannah, what you faced was far scarier than a few jumps and I will ride for you both, hopefully raising some cash for an amazing charity in the process.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. Any donation you make will be greatly appreciated.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.