A BRILLIANT young horse rider has died from a rare illness.

Caroline Fernside, aged 23, was taken ill with a severe headache just hours after winning a trophy at a horse show near Warrington.

Five days later she became confused and an emergency doctor called by parents Bill and Susan diagnosed the rare condition meningo-encephalitis.

She was rushed into the intensive care unit at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Mr and Mrs Fernside were at their daughter's bedside round the clock, but her condition deteriorated and she died after being transferred to Hope Hospital, Salford.

The illness, brought on by a virus, causes the inflammation of brain membranes.

Mrs Fernside said: "Everyone is so aware of meningitis but not this."

Her husband added: "She had spent all weekend outdoors so we thought she had just got a touch of the sun.

"We cannot believe how our lively, beautiful daughter could be taken from us just 10 days after appearing so well.

"She went from being 100 per cent fit and healthy. She had never been ill or smoked.

"She was unlucky I suppose. It just doesn't bear thinking about.

"But everyone at the hospital pulled out all the stops. They couldn't have done more."

Caroline, a former pupil of St Peter's Smithills Dean CE and Bolton School Girls' Division, fell in love with ponies after she and older sister Susie, aged 25, began riding as children.

Her mum then became involved in caring for her three ponies, Floyd, George and Dandy.

For the past two years, Caroline was Bolton and District Riding Club's senior champion.

Mrs Fernside said: "She would be up at six every morning to see to them. Sometimes she wouldn't even let me have a cup of tea first. Her whole life was her ponies."

After showing her ponies for many years Caroline, who worked in data input at the Bolton based Prescription Authority, became interested in side saddle riding.

Mrs Fernside said: "I remember during her first lesson she and her instructor spent half the lesson giggling. But she really took to it."

On the weekend before she was taken ill, Caroline spent much of the time at the Royal Lancashire Show, where her mum was helping as a steward.

Then on the Sunday she took her beloved 19-year-old pony, Floyd to a side-saddle competition, which she won wearing a Victorian style costume.

Mrs Fernside had made it for her to wear at last week's National Side-Saddle Championships in Bedfordshire, but the illness meant she never got to take part.

She said: "At least she got to wear it once."

Caroline's funeral is being held at Smithills Hall Chapel. followed by comittal at Overdale Crematorium on Friday at 2pm and her family has requested donations be sent to the International League for the Protection of Horses.

Devoted

Mrs Fernside said: "We thought that would be the most appropriate because she was devoted to all horses.

"We have been overwhelmed by the kindness of friends and neighbours."

Wyn Goodwin, formerly of Bolton Riding Club said: "Caroline was a beautiful girl -- a nice human being who was pretty both inside and out.

"She had a wonderful bond with her mother, as they both shared a love of horses and riding.

"It makes you realise how important it is to tell people you love them as you just don't know what is going to happen."