TALENTED Irish rider Rory Gilsenan is bravely battling a serious brain illness and support is being sought for fundraisers on his behalf.

Based in Bicester, UK, Rory was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour last year at the age of just 49, just weeks after his first win at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

He underwent surgery at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Last week he underwent further surgery.

The Ballymacad Foxhounds are hosting a Charity Trek at Clonmellon on Sunday, October 6th next at 12.30 from the Co Westmeath village. There will be a fundraising auction as well on the day. All support is most welcome. Please see their Facebook page for more details.

#RootingforRory

In the UK, friends and admirers of Rory's from the equestrian world, including top British dressage rider Charlotte Dujardin CBE, have been sending well wishes, with many using the hashtag #RootingforRory on social media.

At his request, donations for the Milton Keynes-based charity Brain Tumour Research were collected at Addington Equestrian Centre’s pre-HOYS working hunter show last Sunday (September 22nd), an event which Rory usually attends. Class winners were also invited to donate their winnings. In total, Addington Equestrian Centre raised an amazing £1,500 to fund vital research.

Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet historically just 1% of the UK's national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease.

Chris Parker, who manages the equestrian venue near Buckingham, said: “Rory is a very popular guy and a big local name. Everyone was hoping the surgery had gone well. Incredibly, having been discharged from hospital on Saturday, Rory came along to Addington on Sunday. It was so good to see him.”

Paula Rastrick, community fundraising manager for Brain Tumour Research in the Central region, said: “We are very grateful to Addington Equestrian Centre for its support. Rory’s story reminds us that brain tumours are indiscriminate; they can affect anyone at any age. Together, with the help of all our supporters, we will find a cure.”

Brain Tumour Research funds sustainable research at dedicated centres in the UK. It also campaigns for the Government and the larger cancer charities to invest more in research into brain tumours in order to speed up new treatments for patients and, ultimately, to find a cure. The charity is calling for an annual spend of £35m in order to improve survival rates and patient outcomes in line with other cancers such as breast cancer and leukaemia and is also campaigning for greater repurposing of drugs.

To donate to Brain Tumour Research go to www.braintumourresearch.org/donation