Horse and carriage surprise for Melton schoolgirl who has fought Leukaemia

Grace Moore and her family were given the wonderful news earlier this month that she is healthy again after being treated for Leukaemia for more than two years.

Parents Ben and Trish organised a party attended by 150 family members and friends at Long Clawson village hall yesterday (Sunday) and Grace arrived in style in a carriage pulled by two horses.

Ben, who works at the town’s Defence Animal Centre as an army horse riding instructor, said: “We took her to the party on a back route because we told her the main road was too flooded and when she saw the horse and carriage and we told her she was going to riding in it she was just beaming.

“It was a total surprise to her - she was overwhelmed and gob-smacked.”

Grace, who was formerly a pupil at Ab Kettleby School before leaving at the end of last term, travelled to the party with her friend, Ruby Kendle.

The carriage and horses was donated for the day by Woolsthorpe business DK Carriage Horses.

“It was a great day and Grace said she had never been to a party like it before,” said Ben.

Grace, who will be starting secondary school in Lincolnshire next month, will still undergo regular tests but her family are relieved she has been given a clean bill of health.

Ben added: “When the consultant phoned me and I saw ‘Queen’s Medical Centre’ come up on the phone there was a bit of panic. But I was told her bone marrow test was fine and it was a great relief for everyone.

“We can’t speak highly enough of the support we have had from family and friends and people at the hospital.”

Last year, Ben raised nearly £5,000 for cancer charities by riding in, and winning, the prestigious Pertemps Champions Willberry Charity Race at Cheltenham.

He also had his battles with cancer, having had treatment for a synovial sarcoma in his leg.