Cattistock joint-master to run a marathon in memory of Fiona Vigar and Ella Pallister
Cattistock joint-master and huntsman William Bryer is running the Purbeck marathon this Sunday (15 September) in memory of “two very special and competitive Dorset girls” — Fiona Vigar and Ella Pallister.
Former Cattistock joint-master Fiona Vigar suffered fatal head injuries when her horse slipped on the road while out hunting last season (24 January).
17-year-old Ella Pallister — a keen member of the Cattistock field —died from injuries sustained in a freak fall just three days later (27 January) while warming up for a British Showjumping class at Kingston Maurward, Dorset.
William is taking on the 26.2 miles around the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset to raise money for the Dorset and Somerset air ambulance.
“Ella and Fiona were 2 very special girls with a ‘go go’ attitude,” he told H&H.
“We all so dearly miss them.
“The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and the emergency services here are fantastic.
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“Keeping them going is vital if we wish to have them as our guardian angels while we hunt.”
William has trained “harder than ever” for the marathon, which shows off some of Dorset’s most scenic views.
“It is mostly cross-country so I look forward to a bit of pre-season gate jumping to save time opening and shutting,” William added.
“Fiona used to run a bit as well and I often was amazed how she ran up the really steep hill outside their house.
“I suspect she might be giving me some slagging while I am struggling up one of those hills on Sunday!”
To donate please visit: www.justgiving.com/William-Bryer
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Sophia Heath joined Horse & Hound in July 2013 having previously worked for the Daily Telegraph's Olympics website, CNN International and Omnisport. A Durham graduate with a Masters in journalism from City University, Sophia has evented, showjumped and hunted. Sophia left Horse & Hound in early 2015 to join an international boating website.