A remarkable young rider from our area has proved that determination, resilience and a love of horses can overcome even the greatest of challenges.
Cerys Hennighan has been selected to join the British Dressage Cambridge Para Team, an achievement that reflects years of hard work, dedication and an unbreakable partnership with her pony, Kady.
For Cerys, horse riding is far more than a sport. It has become a source of confidence, independence and wellbeing throughout a lifetime of complex medical challenges.
Cerys lives with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, the second most common chromosome condition after Down syndrome. The condition affects everyone differently and can involve a wide range of physical, developmental and learning difficulties. Alongside this, Cerys manages numerous health conditions including primary immune deficiency, severe allergies, coeliac disease, scoliosis, psoriatic arthritis, ADHD and other complex medical needs. She has undergone more than 20 operations and countless procedures, scans and hospital appointments throughout her life.
Despite these challenges, Cerys has never allowed her determination to fade.
She began riding at the age of seven and quickly discovered a passion for horses. Over the years, she has built an incredible bond with Kady, the pony she owns and cares for herself. Together they have spent countless hours training, with Kady providing not only a competition partner but also friendship, purpose and the confidence to keep reaching for new goals.
Her recent qualification for the British Dressage Cambridge Para Team is a fitting reward for years of perseverance and commitment.
Cerys’ mum, Tracy, said: “We are so incredibly proud of Cerys. She has overcome so much to achieve this and continues to inspire everyone around her.”
While qualifying is a dream come true, competing across the country brings significant costs. Unlike many elite athletes, para riders often receive little financial support towards transport and competition expenses. Cerys’ family has therefore launched a fundraising campaign to help purchase a horsebox, enabling her and Kady to travel safely to competitions throughout the UK.
Anyone wishing to support Cerys or find out more about her journey can visit her GoFundMe page by searching “Help Cerys Reach Her British Dressage Dream”
Cerys’ story also helps shine a light on 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and the work of the charity Max Appeal, which supports families affected by 22q conditions through information, awareness campaigns, family events and ongoing support. Tracy is also a trustee of the charity and is passionate about raising awareness and improving understanding of this often misunderstood condition.
Everyone at The Listing congratulates Cerys on this fantastic achievement and wishes her every success as she embarks on this exciting new chapter with Kady.
If you’d like to follow Cerys’ inspiring journey or make a donation towards helping her and Kady travel to competitions across the UK, visit her GoFundMe page by searching “Help Cerys Reach Her British Dressage Dream” or visit: https://gofund.me/b31ee1fdf.
Every donation, no matter the size, will help Cerys continue pursuing her dream of representing the British Dressage Cambridge Para Team.
