Last year when we announced the sad passing of renowned Sponsorship Star and retired police horse, Justice, following which so many kind, heart-warming stories were shared with us. One in particular really captured our hearts, and we are delighted to share Rebecca’s story with you below with kind permission from her family.
Upon hearing about the devastating loss of Justice, Rebecca’s profound physical and intellectual disabilities meant she could not respond herself to the news. But Rebecca’s parents, Julie and Mike, know how much Rebecca enjoyed seeing Justice, as seen in the lovely pictures they captured and sent to us to share with you.
When discussing sharing Rebecca’s story in memory of Justice, and to raise awareness of how our Sponsorship Stars can bring joy to those that sponsor and visit them, Rebecca’s father, Mike, said “Rebecca would be thrilled to know that her story could help your organisation in these difficult times.”
As always, when a Sponsorship Star passes away we offer supporters the opportunity to choose another Star to support. When Rebecca’s parents showed her the pictures of all the Stars her eye immediately landed on Honour, making her choice very clear! The whole family are looking forward to when Rebecca can visit Honour when we reopen in April 2021.
Honour arrived the day before VE Day in 2017. Honour, befittingly named by staff, arrived as part of multi-agency rescue of a herd of Shire horses. Bransby worked alongside other charities to help rescue these magnificent horses found abandoned in a field in the West Midlands. Honour now happily enjoys her new laidback life at Bransby and is firm favourite for cuddles with staff and volunteers.
Julie, Rebecca’s mum, said “The things Rebecca will be really looking forward to when you re-open are: going to the Gift Shop and Cafe – everyone makes her so welcome and she loves eating out; walking around the site and seeing all the horses and children enjoying themselves. Rebecca loves to hear the sound of the horses hooves clip-clopping in the yard and attending events. In the past she has particularly enjoyed the Christmas events and going to summer events like Proms in the Paddock – which was a really wonderful experience. We very much look forward to the site reopening and any events that will be available this year”
We can’t wait to welcome Rebecca, Mike and Julie back to our Visitor Centre when we reopen to the public in April 2021.
