Rachel continued with her riding lessons and in September 2003 she got her first horse, Peter, who she adored. She was a very happy and contented girl. Although she was a quiet girl, when she was with her family and friends she was always making people laugh. She was very generous and always put others first. When she was diagnosed she was told that she probably wouldn't be able to ride again. She was determined she would, and after her 6 week course of radiotherapy her symptoms improved. She was able to ride again. Unfortunately, Peter was too big and strong for her so sadly he had to be sold, but she found a smaller more gentle pony called Molly. Molly gave Rachel a lot of pleasure but at the end of May 2005, her symptoms started to get worse and she was unable to ride again. Rachel was so brave. She never complained about her illness and never gave up. She continued to study for 7 GCSE's and managed to pass them all with 5 grade B's and 2 grade C's. She did so many things in her short life. She swam with dolphins in the Bahamas, went on Safari in Kenya, went elephant trekking in Thailand and skied in many countries. When Rachel died in October 2005, we asked for donations instead of flowers. We received £2,200 which was sent to the Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre at the University of Nottingham. They are undertaking a research project specifically for brain stem gliomas in children. We hope to do some fundraising for this research project next year. Rachel was such a kind, generous and beautiful young girl who made such an impression on so many people. | 
