A mother from Durham is appealing for donations to the “Charlotte’s Wish” fund to help cover the costs of her disabled daughter’s love of the show ring.
Heather Purdy set up “Charlotte’s Wish” for her 11-year-old daughter, Charlotte, who suffers from the life-shortening hereditary disease cystic fibrosis. Last year the fund raised enough money to buy Charlotte a pink lorry to travel to shows in and she enjoyed a successful season despite the daily challenges she faces because of her condition, which has no known cure.
Charlotte has two ponies, a Welsh Section B and an American Miniature horse, which she shows in-hand. The American Miniature, called Mystical Silver Prince, was bought when it became clear that Charlotte’s condition was making it difficult for her to keep up with her Section B.
Heather told H&H: “Charlotte is determined to show again this season and providing her health is up to it, then we will be going. Last year we managed to get to about 80% of the shows that Charlotte wanted to go to and we hope to do the same this year.”
Contributions can be sent to Charlotte’s Wish, Number 2 Redwood, Esh Winning, Durham, DH7 9AG.