I’m going to head this up with a trigger warning as this episode talks about death and grief. We also have some resources listed at the bottom of the article should you need them.
Shock, horror, grief, disbelief, realisation - there are so many adjectives for all the emotions that hit you following the loss of a loved one, and there’s no guidebook for your own journey through the void. There are no words that can salve the wound and only time, and lots of it, can bring a little respite to your thoughts.
But there’s also often a strong pull to do something to commemorate the person you have lost, and when Jo Williams’ sister, 5* Event Rider Georgie Campbell, tragically lost her life in a Cross Country fall at an event in May this year, Jo and her family, along with Georgie’s husband, Jesse, wanted to do something to honour Georgie’s legacy.
The public outpouring of support after Georgie’s death was almost overwhelming, and so many people wanted to help out in some way. As Jo says in our interview, “We've been offered some really amazing money can't buy experiences.”
So the idea of the Georgie Campbell Foundation was formed with the intent that The Georgie Campbell Foundation 💜🤍 will support young riders in establishing their eventing businesses in loving memory of Georgie.
Their watchwords throughout establishing the Foundation have been, “What would have helped young Georgie with her career?”
The introduction of good business, horse welfare and safety skills early in a young eventer’s journey will help them to navigate some of the things that crop up as they go through their career - and it’s this gap that the Georgie Campbell Foundation is aiming to fill.
They will support young event riders with establishing and running their eventing businesses, by providing bursary support and mentoring on areas including financial management, and attracting and retaining staff, owners, and sponsors.
Fund-raising has already started, with the Foundation’s first Ball under their belt and two exciting jewellery collaborations with Hiho Silver and Coco & Jane Loves
I found talking to Jo incredibly moving, as well as really inspiring, she’s an amazing lady who is determined (alongside Georgie’s family and friends) to ensure that her sister’s legacy will continue long into the future and be a real force for good.
We’re wishing them all the very best with their endeavour.
Podcast Timeline
0.00 Intro & Welcome
3.00 Honouring Georgie’s legacy
8.29 Establishing the Foundation
17.46 Fund-raising events
21.40 Georgie’s Twig story
25.04 Collaborating with Hiho Silver & Coco Jane Loves
27.42 Establishing a Charitable Foundation
31.31 Memories of London Horseshow (Formerly Olympia)
36.04 Memories
41.28 Close
Jo’s instagram is here
You can find the Georgie Campbell Foundation here
Resources:
Rural Support - Bereavement and Loss
Mind - Signposting support and self-care for bereavement
Marie Curie - Signposting bereavement support
Share this post