Rachel & Flash's Wobbleberry Challenge
Ben Thomas is raising money for Hannah's Willberry Wonder Pony Charity
Story
I have spent a lifetime longing to be around horses. I am a pony-mad 8-year-old, trapped in a 38-year-old’s body.
In 2014 I realised beyond doubt that I wanted to ride again, but this was problematic because I was a size 20. And horribly unfit. And sad about both those things.
So on 12th January 2015 I walked through the front door of a Slimming World group, and my life changed. I lost 4 stone over the course of a year. And I got back in the saddle. 6 months of weekly lessons and two spells of loaning a horse meant that I was hooked! So I found Flash, my noble steed who is brilliant and brave and kind, and extremely talented.
I’ve spent a lifetime of not doing things because I was scared: scared of failing, scared of being laughed at, scared of not being perfect, scared it might hurt. Holding back because I’m not good enough, I’m not strong enough, I’m not... enough.
In 2016 I was diagnosed as having combined type ADHD (Hyperactivity, Impulsivity, Inattention). This explains a lifetime of feeling inadequate. Of course I would feel that way - because my brain isn’t like most other people’s. It’s wired differently.
I feel like I’ve been given a second shot at being a teenager again. And this time I’m not scared any more. I’m going to do it.
Because I feel like I’ve got a second chance, I want to raise money for Hannah’s Willberry the Wonder Pony Charity, because Hannah Francis’ life was cut short by Cancer, and I feel like I was sleeping for the 36 years before my diagnosis. I owe it to her and all those others whose lives have been put on hold because of cancer. I’m going to get out there and live.
Come with me for the ride.
In 2014 I realised beyond doubt that I wanted to ride again, but this was problematic because I was a size 20. And horribly unfit. And sad about both those things.
So on 12th January 2015 I walked through the front door of a Slimming World group, and my life changed. I lost 4 stone over the course of a year. And I got back in the saddle. 6 months of weekly lessons and two spells of loaning a horse meant that I was hooked! So I found Flash, my noble steed who is brilliant and brave and kind, and extremely talented.
I’ve spent a lifetime of not doing things because I was scared: scared of failing, scared of being laughed at, scared of not being perfect, scared it might hurt. Holding back because I’m not good enough, I’m not strong enough, I’m not... enough.
In 2016 I was diagnosed as having combined type ADHD (Hyperactivity, Impulsivity, Inattention). This explains a lifetime of feeling inadequate. Of course I would feel that way - because my brain isn’t like most other people’s. It’s wired differently.
I feel like I’ve been given a second shot at being a teenager again. And this time I’m not scared any more. I’m going to do it.
Because I feel like I’ve got a second chance, I want to raise money for Hannah’s Willberry the Wonder Pony Charity, because Hannah Francis’ life was cut short by Cancer, and I feel like I was sleeping for the 36 years before my diagnosis. I owe it to her and all those others whose lives have been put on hold because of cancer. I’m going to get out there and live.
Come with me for the ride.