Long rider ‘hero’ dies of leukaemia

Long rider Billy Brenchley has died of leukaemia. He passed away on 10 May, aged 45.

Last year Billy and his British fiancé Christine Henchie, who were both members of the Long Riders Guild, were involved in a serious road accident while riding across Africa.

Christine, 29, was killed when she was hit by an out of control bus in Tanzania. Billy, was also injured in the incident, breaking a leg. Both their horses were also injured.

The couple set off nearly 7 years ago, aiming to complete the first ride from the most northern point of Africa, Cap Blanc in Tunisia to the most southern point of Africa, Cape Agulhas in South Africa.

The Long Riders’ Guild is an “international association of equestrian explorers” that was formed in 1994. Riders must have completed 1,000 continuous miles on a single equestrian journey to become a member.

Guild founders CuChullaine and Basha O’Reilly said: “Life is full of forgettable people, who fill the world and our lives with trivialities and trouble. A handful of us were blessed, for too short a time, to say we were enriched by knowing Billy and Christy. They were heroes on so many levels.”

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