Four-star eventer receives huge social media support following cancer diagnosis
Fans of top event rider Ben Hobday have come out in huge support after he revealed he has cancer.
The popular four-star event rider shared the news on his personal Twitter account last night (Tuesday, 3 June) with his 11.7k followers.
The post said: “Sorry I have been quiet recently. But the last few weeks have been very difficult, I have been in hospital for lots of tests and I have been diagnosed with cancer.
“My head is all over the show at the moment but all your support really helps, thank you.
“I will never give up and I will beat this.”
Ben posted a thanks on his Facebook page this morning to everyone who has sent their support.
He said: “Everyone’s support even in the last 12 hours has been unbelievable. I can’t thank you enough, it really picks me up.”
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Ben, who jumped clear round the cross-country at Badminton this year with Mulrys Error, received a Twitterstorm of well wishes in response to last night’s post.
The FEI tweeted: “Our thoughts are with you Ben — you’ll be beating this in no time.”
Eventing legend Lucinda Green, Olympic bronze medallist Sharon Hunt, inspirational former event rider Claire Lomas and Bramham CCI3* winner Flora Harris are among the masses who have sent their best wishes.
@Willberrywonderpony — a Twitter account for toy pony Willberry whose owner, Hannah Francis, also has cancer – was another to tweet support.
Many of the tweeters used supportive hashtags, including #kickingcancersbutt and #HobdayMyHero as well as hashtag #yehboi, an expression which Ben is known for using.
Ben’s eventing successes so far include team gold and individual bronze at the 2008 young rider European Championships in Germany, first place in the under-21 CCI2* at Weston Park in 2006 and individual sixth at the 2006 young rider European Championships at Blair Castle.
He also has multiple top-10 placings at two- and three-star level and as well as a number of double clears as three and four-star.
Most recently, he finished ninth at this year’s Bramham CIC3* (11-14 June) riding Ramilo.
In 2012, he picked up the prize for the highest placed under-25 rider at Burghley Horse Trials.
Ben runs his own business – Shadow Sport Horse Ltd – from his base in Cheshire.
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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.