A local fundraiser who has been campaigning tirelessly to raise funds for cancer research has died aged eighteen after a year long battle with a rare form of bone cancer.

Hannah Francis, a former Norton Hill pupil, from Hemington, had a promising career ahead of her as an eventer, when she began receiving treatment for osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer which affects thirty teenagers a year.

After her diagnosis, Hannah founded a social media campaign, with the help of her mascot, Willberry the Wonder Pony, to raise awareness and funds for cancer charities with the aim of #KickingCancersButt. Over the past year, she has amassed 45,000 followers on her Instagram and Twitter profiles and attracted the attention of people across the world, including Olympic Eventers who have continued to spread the word about her campaign, making the topic ‘Inspired by Hannah’ trend nationwide on Twitter.

Since starting up her social media sites and blog, the Willberry the Wonder Pony campaign has been recognised as an official charity and has so far raised over £115,000 through events and the selling of Willberry merchandise. The organisation received a £10,000 boost from local actress and school friend, Maisie Williams, who entered a radio celebrity competition on Hannah’s behalf, as well as introducing Willberry to a host of famous faces at Ed Sheeran’s film premier.

The work of the Willberry campaign is set to continue, with the Willberry mascot making an appearance at the Rio Olympics, thanks to Pippa Funnell and other Eventers taking part in Team GB. Hannah will be further remembered after the Event Owners Association set up an award in her name, the first Hannah Francis Award is to be given out at a ceremony in November to an inspirational young eventer.

Hannah’s parents announced the news of her passing on Monday, 1st August on the official Willberry Wonder Pony Facebook page. To join fundraising for the campaign or to donate to the cause, head to www.justgiving.com/hannah-willberrywonderpony