Popular eventer Ben Hobday battling cancer

Popular eventer Ben Hobday has received an outpouring of sympathy after announcing he has cancer.

Never give up

Ben shared the shocking news on his Facebook page yesterday (30 June), and his first thought was to apologise to his many fans.

“I am sorry I’ve been quiet recently. But the last few weeks have been very difficult. I have been in hospital for lots of tests and I’ve been diagnosed with cancer,” he wrote in a statement.

“My head is all over the show at the moment but all your support really helps. Thank you. I will never give up and I will beat this.”

The 27-year-old has been inundated with message of support and love. Fundraiser Claire Lomas, an event rider who was paralysed in a riding fall, said: “That is the attitude – you are a winner and this will not beat you.”

Eventer Anna Franklin posted a picture of Ben competing, saying: “If your determination in this moment is anything to go by, you can beat anything!

Cheeky persona

Ben is known for his cheeky persona as much as his sucess in eventing, which includes winning the U21 National championships and team gold and individual bronze in the Young Rider European Championships. He has also gone clear around

Badminton and Burghley on the part-Clydesdale Mulrys Error.

H&C have had the pleasure of interviewing him on a number of occasions and look forward to doing so again in the future. We wish you all the best, Ben.