A mum who had just beaten breast cancer died as she fulfilled what had been one of her bucket list wishes to ride a horse along a beach.
As she battled the cruel disease, mum-of-two Geraldine Jones told how she had always wanted to go horse riding on the sand and after she recovered, the 51-year-old decided to make her dream come true.
But on Sunday the hospice worker was thrown from her horse on a Welsh beach and died.
Last night family, friends were devastated by the cruel twist of fate, the Birmingham Mail reports.
Geraldine, who lived in the picture postcard Herefordshire parish of Fownhope, suffered fatal injuries after falling onto the sand at Llangennith Beach on the Gower Peninsula.
A friend, riding with the 51-year-old, and a passing jogger administered first aid, but Geraldine died on the Air Ambulance.
The Rhossili coastguard cliff rescue unit was quickly scrambled to the scene of the accident but the team, which included an onboard doctor, was unable to save the cancer survivor’s life.
An inquest into the tragedy has already opened at Swansea Coroner’s Court.
One friend said: “Riding on the sand was something Geraldine was really looking forward to. We’ve been told there was a huge smile on her face as she walked down to the beach.”
Geraldine, former head of communications at St Michael’s Hospice, Bartestree, had only recently been given the all-clear after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010.
She had ended her seven years at the hospice 12 months ago to pursue a career as a freelance communications consultant, and leaves a husband, Tim, and sons Olly, 16, and 12-year-old Henry.
News of the terrible tragedy reduced workers at St Michael’s, where Geraldine was known by her maiden name ‘Rose’, to tears.
“Geraldine was extremely vibrant. She was colourful and bright,” one said.
In a touching tribute, hospice chief executive Nicky West said: “Geraldine was a much-loved member of staff at St Michael’s Hospice and her former colleagues have been devastated by the news.
“Geraldine’s vibrant personality and zest for life made an enormous contribution to St Michael’s. Her exceptional writing skills, and her empathy for patients and families, helped create thought-provoking articles about our work here.
“Geraldine’s love of life brought joy to the people she spent time with.
“Her sudden death is a shock, leaving friends and former colleagues saddened and in tears.
“She will be greatly missed by everyone at St Michael’s Hospice and our thoughts are with her husband, Tim, and her boys, Olly and Henry.”
Geraldine was an experienced rider, but had never galloped horses on sand.
Swansea coastguard centre manager Steve Jones – a member of the cliff rescue team – praised the efforts of Geraldine’s riding companion and the mystery runner who gave mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
“They made a valiant effort,” he said. “The other lady rides down there quite regularly, so it was very upsetting for everyone.
“They were not doing anything wrong. They were just enjoying the day, as everyone was.”
Adrian Hughes, watch manager at Reynoldston Fire Station, stressed that Geraldine was wearing a safety helmet.
“It is tragic,” he added.
“We all feel for the family.”
Geraldine’s funeral takes place at St Mary’s Church, Fownhope, on Friday, August 8, at 2.30pm.
