Tragic incident at equestrian event
Kerry Donoghue, a 42-year-old mother of two from Glasgow, died on July 18 after suffering a fatal fall during the cross-country phase of the Penrith Horse Trials in Cumbria. The experienced rider was competing on her horse Carneyhaugh Rua when the accident occurred. Emergency medics attended to her at the scene but were unable to save her life.
Family's heartfelt tribute
Her husband, Matthew Donoghue, paid an emotional tribute online, saying: 'My amazing wife Kerry passed away on Saturday the 18th of July due to a tragic horse riding accident. No words can describe how we are feeling at the moment we are totally broken and Kerry will forever be in our thoughts and hearts.' He added: 'If you love someone tell them you love them kiss them hug them tell them how you feel. Life for us will never be the same again.' The family has expressed gratitude for the support they have received.
Kerry's background and fears
Kerry, a former NHS nurse, had appeared on the Equestrian Performance Mindset podcast in May, where she revealed she had considered quitting after witnessing a horse crush another rider. She said: 'You're thinking to yourself, 'Goodness, is this all worth it? Do you really want to do this? Do you really want to give it a go?'' She also admitted being more afraid of life-changing injuries than death, stating: 'I was really afraid of getting hurt, but hurt in a very specific way. I was afraid of how some people have had to live their lives, and the challenges that come with that.'
Continuing to compete
Despite her fears, Kerry continued competing and celebrated completing her first British Eventing Novice competition with Carneyhaugh Rua, whom she affectionately nicknamed 'Roly Poly'.
Fundraising for the family
A GoFundMe page set up by friend David Smith has raised over £17,000 to help the family with unexpected costs. Smith wrote: 'One of my best friends lost her life in a tragic horse accident during a show. Kerry Donoghue who was so loved by her Husband Mathew, Children - Cara (13) & Josh (20) and of course the rest of her family and friends. Kerry was a passionate advanced nurse practitioner and always cared for others throughout her career. I am raising funds to help the family with this unexpected tragedy to help support them. Thank you.'
