The tremendous Willberry Wonder Pony charity came up with a new challenge this year. It is for rusty, 'wimpy' (!) riders of a certain age to train for a BE80 event in the autumn of 2017. I have not competed in anything since I was fifteen, and the thought fills me with trepidation. But I decided that if Hannah Francis could look so bravely down the barrel of her own mortality, I damn well could teach my red mare to jump. 

The red mare was a very slow racehorse and then a not very good polo pony. Now she lives with me in Scotland, and until we started training for this challenge we spent most of our time rounding up imaginary cows. It's a huge leap for both of us. Luckily she is braver than I, and her great, fighting heart is making up for my small, rather fearful one.

Even if you could give us a single pound as we continue on this journey, it would add up to something tremendous for this great cause. The charity gives money to bone cancer research, and also grants what it calls 'horsey wishes' to the seriously ill. 

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.

With many thanks, Tania