Aoife Clark plays fairy godmother to ill teen

Irish eventer Aoife Clark made a seriously ill teenager’s wish come true last month by giving her a jumping lesson.

Aoife, who finished seventh individually at the London 2012 Olympic Games, gave Jay Kaye a lesson after being approached by the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

The foundation is a wish-granting charity for children with serious and terminal illnesses.

Jay, who was diagnosed with astrocytoma, a form of brain tumour, in January 2010, wished to have a showjumping lesson with a famous eventer.

“When I’m older, my dream would be to become a champion horse rider,” said the 13-year-old.

Kitted out in new riding gear provided by Starlight, Jay and her mother Kate travelled to Aoife’s base in Oxfordshire to meet her horses and have lunch.

Aoife then gave Jay a lesson at a local riding centre.

“It was the highest I’d ever jumped,” said Jay. “Aoife gave me so much confidence, it was amazing!”

Her mother, Kate, added: “Thank you to Starlight, Aoife and her team – we’ll never forget it. It was the perfect day.”

To refer a child for a wish or make a donation, visit www.starlight.org.uk.

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