Poignant book is a tribute to '˜sweet Caroline'

Ruth Harvey’s ‘The Life, Dreams and Legacy of Caroline Harvey’ tell the story of a woman who had an intense passion for horse and a great love for her family.

Caroline was taking part in a drag hunt at Quenby Hall in February 2014 and riding her beloved Oscar.

She fell after the horse made a jump and was flown to hospital by the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA) with a severe neck injury and breathing problems.

The speed at which Caroline was treated by the paramedics allowed her family to talk to her the next day and agree for her organs to be donated before she passed away, aged 40, on March 1.

Half of the proceeds from book sales will be split between the DLRAA and the Donor Family Network charity.

Ruth, who lives in Eagles Drive in Melton with Caroline’s father, Michael, said: “I wanted to do something for Caroline and also give her friends and family something to remember her by.

“It was a kind of therapy for me and also made me realise what a very good life she had.”

The book, which was printed by AnchorPrint of Syston, contains lots of poignant photographs of Caroline growing up and there is a page containing the lyrics to Neil Diamond’s song ‘Sweet Caroline’.

She rode ponies from the age of three when the family lived in Norfolk.

There is a chapter on their move to Melton in 1984, to Melton Spinney Farm.

Caroline attended Brownlow, John Ferneley and King Edward VII Schools in Melton and was a member of the town’s 1279 Air Training Corps Squadron.

Ruth added: “I’ve had 150 books printed initially and already half of them have been bought or promised to people.

The book, which costs £10, will be officially launched on Sunday June 25 at Rearsby Riding Club’s dressage show at Brooksby Melton College.

Email [email protected] to obtain a copy.