The first beneficiary of the Georgie Campbell Foundation is a rider with a “strong work ethic, positive mindset, and real love for his horses and eventing”.
The charity, set up in memory of five-star rider Georgie, has announced that 25-year-old Wiltshire-based Ollie Thompson has been selected, from more than 60 applicants, to be the first rider to benefit.
“I’m excited and grateful to have been selected,” said Ollie, who has competed up to four-star level with his top ride Lagans Rice Star. “It’s such an amazing opportunity for me to grow my business and be able to reach my full potential.
“I’m keen to start learning from everyone involved, pushing myself this season and next, and making the most of all the support and opportunities ahead. I would like to thank the committee, and all involved for putting their faith in me moving forward.”
The foundation was set up to “give back to the sport Georgie loved”. As well as working to improve safety in eventing, it aims to provide the support that would have helped the young Georgie set up her business.
Picture by Emily Scotney Photography
(Image credit: Emily Scotney Photography)
For the rest of this season and all next, Ollie will benefit from tailored bursary support, mentoring and training, from the foundation and specialists. The aim is to support his development individually and in his business, including planning, managing finances and staff, attracting and retaining owners and sponsors, social media and identifying and working with talented young horses.
Of the initial applicants, eight were invited to be interviewed by a panel including Georgie’s husband Jesse Campbell and Jonelle Price.
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“He demonstrates a lot of the attributes that we felt were in line with ‘a young Georgie’,” the panel said. “Ollie Thompson conveyed a strong work ethic, positive mindset and real love for his horses and the sport of eventing.
“We therefore think he makes the perfect first Georgie Campbell Foundation beneficiary and are looking forward to seeing his journey unfold with the foundation’s support.”
The foundation thanked all those who applied and have offered to support the programme. Anyone interested in applying or re-applying can follow the foundation on social media for news on the next application window.
Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
