In a sport often defined by triumphs and trophies, sometimes the most powerful rides come from the heart. For Flo Willis, a breast cancer survivor and long-time member of Paul Nicholls’ Ditcheat team, her appearance in the Keagan Kirkby Stable Staff Charity Race in aid of Horatio’s Garden at Wincanton on November 20th is about much more than crossing the finish line first — it’s about honour, friendship, and healing.
Riding for Keagan — and for herself
When Willis swings into the saddle aboard Afadil, she won’t just be riding a talented racehorse — she’ll be carrying the memory of her late friend Keagan Kirkby, the young stable lad who looked after the horse until his tragic passing in a point-to-point accident at Charing last February.
“Afadil was Keagan’s horse,” Willis said softly. “Every time I ride him, I think of Keagan. It might sound strange, but the day Keagan died, Afadil lost his mate too.”
Now in her seventh season working for Nicholls, Willis has spent months preparing for this emotional challenge. The 34-year-old admits it will be difficult to hold back the tears when she spots Keagan’s family in the paddock. “If I could win this on Afadil, it would be the dream result,” she smiled.
From heartbreak to hope
It’s been a long road of recovery and reflection for Willis. After losing her friend, she faced another life-altering blow — a stage two breast cancer diagnosis around her 31st birthday. What followed was a grueling period of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery.
“I thought I was fine, but really I wasn’t,” she admitted. “Still, I kept smiling through it. I wouldn’t want to go through that again, but I’m lucky — I had a full pathological response, and now I’m part of a clinical trial to help other young women.”
That same resilience drives her today. “I’m in such a good place now,” she added. “I feel great, and this race is part of that journey — to give back, to feel alive again.”
Racing for a cause: Horatio’s Garden
The Keagan Kirkby Stable Staff Charity Race is more than a tribute — it’s a fundraiser for Horatio’s Garden, a charity creating beautiful, restorative spaces for people with spinal injuries. Willis initially aimed to raise £1,000 but has already smashed that target, now hoping to reach £3,000 before raceday.
“It’s an incredible charity,” she said. “You never know when you or someone you love might need it. I’m proud to do my part.”
As raceday approaches, her family, friends, and colleagues will be trackside at Wincanton, cheering her every stride. But for Willis, the result will already be a victory — for Keagan, for herself, and for everyone who’s fought their way back from loss.
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