A TRAGIC horse-riding accident has left a family from Upper Rochford mourning the death of their 24-year-old daughter Nicola on Saturday morning.

Her parents, Jennifer and Warwick Gledhill of The Mount, whose son Keiron died in 1999, told The Advertiser: "Our daughter was a truly lovely young lady on the threshold of a successful career.

"A giver not a taker, she was a much-loved daughter and granddaughter and a loving and proud godmother.

"We have lost both our children and the future without them or grandchildren is no longer bright, but family, friends and neighbours are supporting us through this and we are more than thankful for that."

Injuries

Nicola, who was exercising horses in the lanes on the Worcestershire and Herefordshire border, near Little Hereford, was riding with her friend Steve Griffith, from Berrington stables, when he briefly lost sight of her.

Moments later she was discovered lying on the road side at the top end of Field Lane. She was taken to hospital at Hereford but she died from her injuries shortly after arrival.

Chris Wyatt, of nearby Upper Upton House, was the first port of call after the accident had happened.

"Steve came to the door in a terrible state. My husband phoned for an ambulance, I grabbed some blankets and my daughter Holly went with me to see what we could do. Nicola was unconscious.

"We covered her up to keep her warm and just kept talking to her until the ambulance arrived," she said.

"It's the first time I have had to face this, and we did what we could to help. We thought she would be OK once she got to hospital. It was a terrible shock for us when we heard she didn't make it. Our hearts go out to her parents."

A fine and accomplished horse woman, Nicola had been riding since she was eight. To many she was the complete horsewoman, taking part in hunter trials and polocross, a demanding sport requiring a high standard of horsemanship and skill.

Born and brought up in Tenbury, she attended both the Primary School and the High School before going on to Worcester College to study A-levels.

She gained an LLB Honours in Law and Business at Swansea University, leading to a position as a financial accountant with Tarmac Western at Kington, where she was studying for membership of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.

Finance director for Tarmac Western Warren Hall said: "Nicola was with us for two years and was a keen member of our team.

"She was a popular friendly young woman and was out with her colleagues at a leaving party in Bridgend on Friday evening. We are all deeply shocked at the news."

A Service of Thanksgiving for her life will be held at Rochford Church next Tuesday at 2pm. Family flowers only. Donations in Nicola's name will be given to Riding for the Disabled.