Hockey match raises money in horse rider's memory

Friends of a British event rider who died after a fall at the Bicton International Horse Trials have competed in a hockey game in her memory.

The Georgie Campbell Foundation Memorial Hockey Game took place in Cranbrook, Kent, at the weekend.

Players raised just over £3,000 for the charity founded by her family and friends, which aims to make the sport safer and support young eventers to fulfil their dreams.

Ahead of the game best friend Abbie Fernandes said Mrs Campbell was "very competitive", adding: "She will be laughing at how stiff we all are but she will also be cross with us if we lose, so no pressure."

Mrs Campbell was 36 when she died after falling from her horse at the trials in Devon in May 2024.

Mrs Fernandes said she would never forget the phone call she received from Ms Campbell's husband, fellow event rider Jesse Campbell, after the accident.

She said: "I don't think my brain went there for a second. I think he started telling me and I think I went 'oh she's hurt herself, oh she's on her way to hospital', but even as he was telling me I just, I had not caught up with myself to get there.

"To be honest I don't think it's sunk in yet, but its horrendous," she said.

"She's such a huge loss to my family, everyone's family. I miss her everyday."

The talented horserider was captain of the hockey team when she attended Cranbrook School.

In her memory, Mrs Campbell's former teammates took on the school's current first 11.

Her friends, who said they had not played much since they left school nearly 20 years ago, said the match was the perfect way to commemorate Mrs Campbell's boundless energy.

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