The equestrian community has rallied round in support of a high-profile show horse producer who is fighting a brain tumour.
Rory Gilsenan, who is based in Bicester, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of the disease late last year at the age of 49, just weeks after his first win at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). Last week he underwent further surgery after the tumour came back.
Friends and admirers from the equestrian world, including dressage star Charlotte Dujardin CBE, have been sending well wishes with many using the hashtag #RootingforRory on social media.
At Rory’s request, donations for Brain Tumour Research – which amounted to £1,500 – were collected at a pre-HOYS working hunter show held at Addington Manor Equestrian Centre near Buckingham last weekend; it’s an event usually attended by Rory.
Chris Parker, who manages the venue, said: “Rory is a very popular guy and a big local name. Everyone is hoping the surgery has gone well. Rory’s absence was very much felt. We are all thinking about him.”
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