Mourners pack church to remember brave Fiona (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Mourners pack church to remember brave Fiona

BIG names from the equestrian world gave thanks for the life of a Cotswolds woman who lived for horses last week.

Sherston resident Fiona Gale, who was well known in equestrian circles, was found dead on March 3, aged 29, after a long struggle against illness.

Stars flocked to the village last Wednesday to remember Fiona, whose ashes were brought to the church on horseback by international polo player Emma Tomlinson.

Miss Tomlinson was accompanied by a group of riders including former champion jockey Richard Dunwoody, who rode Fiona's retired racehorse Missie, and British Olympic event rider Rodney Powell.

The group was also accompanied by showjumpers Graham and Tina Fletcher, for whom Fiona happily worked before illness prevented her continuing, as well as members of the Beaufort Hunt.

Fiona, the daughter of BBC Wiltshire radio correspondent Barbara Gale, fought a long battle against brittle asthma, one of the most severe forms of the disease, and her bravery won the respect and love of her many friends.

Mourners led by Barbara, Fiona's brother Jamie and her dog Dingle entered the church to a mixture of Fiona's favourite songs including Angels by Robbie Williams, with the volume of people forcing many to stand in the aisles.

The service's music was especially moving as it was hymns and songs selected by Fiona during a spell in hospital.

Barbara said: "When Fiona was very ill two years ago, she made a list of songs and hymns she would like played at her funeral if she died.

"Every one of those was played at the service."

Racehorse trainer Jim Old and Richard Dunwoody were among those addressing the church, paying testament to Fiona's courage during frequent spells in hospital.

Richard said: "Fiona had an amazing attitude - one which I will never forget.

"I will always remember her with a smile on her face."

One of the most poignant moments of the service saw six of Fiona's closest friends read poetry written by Fiona, as well as recount their own memories of her.

The church also heard how Fiona's own determination urged members of the horse world to help her raise £10,000 for the respiratory unit at Bath's Royal United Hospital, where she was treated on numerous occasions.

Staff and doctors from the ward also attended the service, which was followed by a party at the Beaufort Polo Club in Westonbirt, which was bedecked in pictures of Fiona.

Speaking after the service, Jim Old said: "She was such a courageous, gutsy girl.

"She was a very, very determined person who had so much to give."

Fiona's mum Barbara said: "I thought Fiona's six friends reading their poems were lovely, but I honestly thought the highlight was Fiona's last ride up the high street-it was so special and beautiful."