TRIBUTES have been paid to former horse trainer Bev McDonnell, who will be remembered for her “bubbly, strong and inspirational” personality.

Bev was diagnosed with breast cancer six years ago and died at the age of 32 after the disease spread to her bones, liver and lungs.

She was advised to give up horse riding, her passion since childhood, with doctors warning her bones were too brittle to withstand the strain.

But Bev, of Avon Run Road, was determined to find a way to indulge her passion and started offering horse-drawn carriage rides along the beach at Mudeford instead.

She also set herself the goal of competing in the New Forest Show this summer, which she achieved in style, coming sixth in a really strong field.

And she marked another goal by travelling to Birmingham to visit the Horse of the Year Show just two weeks before she died.

An accomplished rider, Bev had previously competed in this event and had also worked as a trainer and buying and selling horses. Before being diagnosed with cancer for the second time, she had her own yard in the West Moors area.

Speaking to the Echo when launching the carriage rides, Bev said: “When I was diagnosed I was given three months basically and I just hope this might give hope to people in my situation to go out and be positive.

“It’s easy to stay at home and give up but when you have good days you should get out, go for a walk, do something you enjoy and make the most of them.

“If I can give people a bit of hope and raise money at the same time, I think that will be fantastic.”

Bev leaves her partner Angus I’Anson, parents Karen and Shaun and siblings Claire, Rocky and Neil, as well as numerous friends.

Her beloved horse Blacky pulled her funeral carriage to her funeral at Poole Crematorium, where guests were urged to dress in party clothes and bring a carrot for her horse.