SHOWJUMPER Jenny Keepe has defied the odds, winning a national competition, after both she and her horse bounced back from life-threatening brain tumours!
Jenny, aged 29, from Warrington, feared she would never ride again when a very large brain tumour was discovered in June last year.
Her consultant Mr Yousaf from Walton hospital commented that the operation would probably be one of the largest ones he would ever have to do and she would have to have MRI scans for the rest of her life.
After a 10 hour craniotomy in July 2020 and a second operation in October, only a certain percent of the tumour was able to be removed.
Equestrian Jenny, loves her horses and it was feared that after her operation she might not be able to ride again.
After a few months gently getting herself back to health she started riding, but her horse Quinn, after developing a nose bleed, was diagnosed with the exactly same tumour as Jenny!!
Now worried that Quinn might have to be put down he was taken to Rainbow equine hospital to have surgery through his skull and his tumour removed.
Her beloved dog was then also diagnosed with a brain tumour …talk about coming in threes !!
After coming 2nd in an earlier competition at Cheshire Royal Show she was one of ten chosen in the country for a puissance competition to be held at UK Nationals, Arena UK last weekend.
The competition consists of 5 rounds where the a wall is built bigger and bigger and the winner is the one that jumps the highest without knocking it down.
Jenny decided to set up a funding page for the brain tumour trust, which raised nearly £1,500 and focus on the competition.
Proud mum Sally said: “After such a horrible time and not even a year after her second operation, we doubted Jenny and Quinn would ever make the competition.
“But against all the odds and supported by family and friends with all her determination they both proved us all wrong and not only entered the competition went on to be one of the winners, jumping 1.70m….just beyond amazing and raised over £1500 for the brain tumour charity!”
Jenny is also connected to the town’s nightlife. Sadly, due to the Covid, the family club The Showbar went into liquidation earlier this year but still determined to follow in her dad, Paul Keepe’s footsteps and not to be beaten by her problems, Jenny has recently taken over the role of manager at PJs nightclub on Friarsgate.
Sally added: “There is just no keeping her down! It shows you what can be achieved with the right attitude and determination!”
Jenny Keepe is presented with her trophy
Family heartbreak after calling time on “King of Clubs” Showbar legacy
