Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony

Where it all began

From a very early age, Hannah Francis had a huge passion for horses. She grew up on her family farm, loved eventing and always dreamed of riding at the highest level in the sport. Hannah was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at 17 years old and, during her treatment she was given an adorable toy pony that she named Willberry The Wonder Pony.

Willberry became Hannah’s mascot and a big part of the charity she founded – Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony (HWWP). In August 2016, Hannah sadly passed away, but her legacy continues through her incredible charity. We had a catch up with Willberry to find out a little bit more about the charity and his life.

What does the charity do?

When Hannah set up the charity, she had two main purposes for it – to fund bone cancer research and grant wishes, with every penny raised being used for this work.  

Hannah started Willberry’s Research because the treatment used hadn’t changed in 40 years. She was determined to make a difference. Now, there are six research projects in labs across the country, which is very exciting as there are very few bone cancer scientists in England!

Willberry’s Wishes allows ill people to experience unforgettable horsey moments when they really need something to look forward to and make them smile. 

How did Willberry’s Wishes come about? 

Hannah lived her life making every second count and, when she became ill, she made a huge bucket list. She was always thinking about other people and believed that everyone needed to smile. Having something to look forward to helped her through difficult times, so Willberry’s Wishes does exactly that for others. 

Meet Willberry

What’s the best adventure you’ve ever been on? 

Hannah always dreamed of riding with the Union Jack, so seeing it come true when she completed an event with her horse Mavis at Tattersalls in Ireland filled my heart with pride. We had so many special and unforgettable days with the whole of Hannah’s family.

What are Berry Ponies? 

They’re my descendants! Anyone can buy a Berry Pony and all money raised goes straight to Hannah’s charity. Plus, each pony comes with a passport so owners can register them – this means they’re even allowed to go to events! There are more than 9,000 Berry Ponies out and about – how cool is that? 

Who’s your fave celeb rider that you’ve met? 

That’s a tricky one, I can’t pick a fave! I’ve met loads of eventers and dressage riders. Kitty King, Ben Hobday – who are both Patrons of the charity – plus, Charlotte Dujardin and Carl Hester to only name a few!

How did Ben Hobday become involved with the charity?  

Hannah and Ben got in touch with one another after they were both diagnosed with cancer, and Ben invited us to visit. Hannah, Ben, Stevie – Ben’s adorable Shetland – and I became friends forever. 

Since then, Ben was made a Patron of the charity – he helps Hannah’s legacy live on and has been involved in granting Willberry’s Wishes. Ben’s helped me to fulfill wishes at big events, such as coursewalks at Badminton, and days out at his own yard all to help seriously ill people forget about reality and make amazing memories. 

What’s the coolest cross-country course you’ve jumped around? 

It was epic riding around Badminton with Ben Hobday, but Millfield BE with Hannah was incredible. She’d been through a lot of treatment before that day so it was a huge achievement for her to compete again! 

Are there any exciting future plans for the charity? 

Our awesome team of volunteers are continuing to grow awareness so we can fund even more research projects and keep granting wishes. I’m so excited to have PONY mag on board, though!  We’re super-excited to see what PONYberry gets up to!

Meet Ponyberry…

How you can help

Join us in celebrating Hannah’s Birthday – an event to remember loved ones. 

When: 30 April 2022

Where: Your yard (or garden)!

What: A morning or afternoon of tea and cake (Hannah’s fave!) 

How: Get your friends and family together, bake cakes or biscuits – whatever takes your fancy – and enjoy! To raise money, why not hold a raffle or sell your cakes? Don’t forget, every penny counts towards funding research and granting Willberry’s wishes!

To log your fundraising event, donate or buy your own Berry Pony, head to www.willberrywonderpony.org  

Buy a copy of April PONY mag

5p from every copy of April PONY mag will be donated to Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony.

How will you use your Willberry pencil? Send us your pics – #WillberryPencil or email [email protected]