‘I can get back to normal life’: Ben Hobday’s cancer is in remission
Eventer Ben Hobday is in remission from cancer.
Ben was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma at the end of June this year and has been undergoing treatment at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.
He told H&H today (Wednesday, 18 November) that he is feeling “very relieved” and will be celebrating this evening.
“I can get back to normal life and enjoy life,” he said.
He added the support he has had from everyone, including the hospital staff, his girlfriend Emma Carmichael and her family, his family and the staff on the yard has been “amazing”.
Ben also shared the news with his 14,500 Twitter followers, 32,000 Instragram followers and 25,300 Facebook fans this morning.
He posted a collage of photos across the social media sites of some of the doctors and nurses who treated him.
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“REMISSION!!! Cancer NO More!!!” he said.
“Thank you I am forever grateful you incredible people #NHSistheBest”
The post already has more than 6,000 Facebook likes.
The four-star eventer completed his chemotherapy treatment on 30 September.
He returned home and has started riding again, this weekend taking part in masterclasses alongside Australian rider Paul Tapner in front of crowds in Stoneleigh Park, Warks.
“That was amazing — we had a really good time,” said Ben.
“Paul put on a really good show and the whole team had a great weekend.”
Last month, Ben told H&H that he was planning his comeback and was said he couldn’t wait to return riding “horse after horse after horse”.
A frequent competitor at top-level events, Ben has jumped clear across country at multiple four-stars including Badminton 2015 and Burghley 2014.
His eventing successes include young rider team gold and individual bronze at the 2008 European Championships in Germany.
He also won the under-21 CCI2* at Weston Park in 2006 and has numerous placings at three-star.
Most recently, he came ninth on Ramilo in the CIC3* at Bramham (11 June).
Since revealing his diagnosis, the equestrian community has shown huge support and tens of thousands of pounds has been raised for cancer charities through fundraisers.
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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.