WIDOWER James Hussey is training hard to ride in Barbury International Horse Trials later this summer to give the Great Western Hospital’s radiotherapy unit appeal a leg up.

The 58-year-old farmer from Broad Hinton has already raised around £20,000 for the Brighter Futures appeal in memory of his wife Gill.

Now he is getting ready to raise even more by competing in the event with his horse Kildare Kid – also known as Tim – in the top class event.

“Gill always had a very special love of horses and the local countryside. She was very involved with conservation projects both on the farm and the Marlborough Downs," said Tim.

“She was always a great supporter of eventing, loving the sport and always supporting myself and our daughter Julia.

“After losing Gill, I felt a need to continue my love of horses. Barbury International Horse Trials is a pinnacle of the eventing calendar and I am looking forward to being back there this year competing in memory of Gill, and supporting Brighter Futures to help make life easier for those dealing with cancer.

“The Brighter Futures appeal is so important to raise funds for a new radiotherapy unit in Swindon,” he said.

“Gill and I would regularly make 70 mile round trip to Oxford for radiotherapy treatment, it was exhausting both mentally and physically. Having a unit in Swindon will help patients and their families in the region help face the challenge of cancer.”

The horse trials, which runs between July 7 and 10 is also backing the appeal by hosting a lunch on July 9 with appeal patron Rory Bremner.

Trials chairman Nigel Bunter said: “We are very proud to support Brighter Futures at this year’s horse trials, their radiotherapy unit appeal is very important for the Wiltshire region.”

The appeal to raise £2.9 million for a radiotherapy unit at the Great Western Hospital was launched last May with the aim of preventing patients from having to make a 70-mile round trip to Oxford for their treatment.

Jennifer Green, Head of Fundraising for Brighter Futures, was delighted with the support: “So far we’ve raised nearly £700,000 towards the £2.9 million required to pay for the equipment for the new radiotherapy unit. We hope that the people and businesses from the region will support this fabulous lunch and our appeal for this important cause.”

Many of the riders at the trials, where the fences are designed by Capt Mark Phillips, are heading for the Rio Olympics in August.

Visit barburyhorsetrials.co.uk for more information.