Eventer Ben Hobday home after cancer treatment
Four-star eventer Ben Hobday has finished chemotherapy.
The 27-year-old event rider revealed this morning (30 September) that he had completed the treatment.
“Last chemo done of the treatment — scan in six weeks — now home to rest and build an immune system,” he said.
“Huge thank you to the doctors, nurses and the whole hospital and everyone of you sending me kind messages of support.
“You have helped me get through this tough part of my life which appeared impossible at times.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Ben revealed in June that he had been diagnosed with cancer.
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Following his diagnosis, the equestrian community rallied behind him.
The Eventing Family, a group set up to support eventers and their connections going through tough times, hosted a party at Bicton Arena in August in support of Ben and others.
They raised more than £30,000 that was split between Spinal Research, Cancer Research UK, Teenage Cancer Trust and Motor Neuron Disease Association.
More than £20,000 was also raised at “Ben’s Bucking Fundraiser”, held at Somerford Park Horse Trials (22 August) in aid of Cancer Research UK.
The auction and party was organised by Ben’s head girl, Rachel Moran, and Somerford-based Laura Ritchie Bland.
The total came to £21,500, which included a lesson with Ben that went for £560.
He also received a message of support from Richard Branson in July.
“Hi Ben, it’s Richard here,” Richard said. “Just want to wish you all the best…you can come out [of the illness] 100% at the end of it. Good luck,” said the Virgin Group founder.
Ben, who runs Shadow Sport Horses in Cheshire, told H&H at the time that he was “quite overwhelmed”.
Supporters are also continuing to organise events and cancer charity fundraisers in support of Ben and fellow eventer Hannah Francis, who has osteosarcoma.
Ben’s eventing successes include young rider team gold and individual bronze at the European Championships in Germany in 2008.
He has competed at a number of four-stars, including Burghley 2014 and Badminton 2015 on the popular Mulrys Error, a Clydesdale x thoroughbred, who has his own Twitter account.
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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.