Seriously ill children from Rainbow Trust get free riding
lessons through BHS-Approved Riding Schools
Children with terminal illnesses - and their brothers and
sisters - are receiving £10,000 worth of free riding
lessons - thanks to The British Horse Society and BHS-Approved
Riding Schools.
Around 150 children are to receive lessons after applying
through the Rainbow Trust, a charity that provides support
for families with terminally ill children.
A total of 25 BHS-Approved Riding Schools are giving the
lessons, which have already started.
Seven-year-old Theo Featherstone, who has had cancer, and
his sister Rosie, eight, were among the first to have free
lessons. at the BHS-Approved Kingston Riding Centre, Kingston-upon-Thames,
Surrey, and the BHS-Approved Stag Lodge Stables, Richmond,
London.
Mother Emma Featherstone said: "It's been great and
we would like to thank everyone involved."
Theo, who suffers from a form of cancer that attacks the
nervous system, had his lesson with his sister at Stag Lodge
Stables, Richmond Riding School, Richmond.
"It could not have been better," said Mrs Featherstone.
"They were really nice and put him on a little pony,
so his feet weren't far off the ground. He absolutely loved
his 40-minute lesson."
Eight-year-old Alexander Warne, who is remission from leukaemia,
has had the first of two lessons at the BHS-Approved Lavant
House Riding School, Chicester, West Sussex.
His mother Julie, of Worthing, said: "It was lovely.
They gave him a one-to-one lesson for an entire hour. Alex
really enjoyed it - it was just what he'd wanted to do, and
excellent for his legs which have suffered because of his
chemotherapy. It was great for him."
Celestine Duval, nine, who had a bone marrow transplant two
years ago, went for her free lessons at Fir Farm Stables,
Bookham, Surrey. Her mother Hannele said: "It was really
nice. Celestine has had a hard time, and this was just what
she needed. They were wonderful at the school."
Andree Lucy, manager of Fir Tree Farm Stables, said: "It
went very well. Celestine has booked two free lessons and
clearly enjoyed the first one. And we have had phone calls
from two more children who are coming during the next holidays.
We think it is a great idea and are delighted to be involved."
Heather Wood, Chief Executive of the Rainbow Trust, said:
"Many of the families Rainbow Trust work with are going
through a very traumatic and stressful time: they all either
have a child with a life threatening or terminal illness or
have recently been bereaved.
"Giving families the chance to take part in a fun and
exciting activity, such as horse riding, is a wonderful way
of giving the sick child and siblings alike a much deserved
treat and the opportunity to enjoy an activity together, away
from the stress and stains of daily life.
"On behalf of the 150 children taking part in this scheme
I would like to say a huge thankyou to the British Horse Society.
We truly appreciate their generosity and kindness."
Chris Doran, The BHS Approvals Department Senior Executive,
said: "By providing these free lessons, we hope to bring
some happiness into the lives of children and families that
are going through very tough times indeed.
"Half the cost is paid for by The British Horse Society,
which has donated £5,000 to the project, and the other
half by the BHS-Approved Schools involved. We are all delighted
to be able to work with the Rainbow Trust on this project."
|