SHOPPERS on Marlow High Street stopped to bow their heads last week for a fitting tribute to a popular charity worker and horse enthusiast, who died last month.

Former president of the Marlow Inner Wheel Club and successful equestrian coach Mary Sansom passed away on September 17 aged 79, with a horse drawn hearse making its way to All Saints Church on Friday for her funeral.

The horse lover trained riders for the prestigious Badminton Trials during her long career as a British Horse Association Instructor, including guiding one of her students to a gold medal.

Her charity work saw her take the helm of the Marlow Inner Wheel Club, an offshoot of Rotary, in 1986/87.

And earlier this year Mary joined members at a session of charity Riding for the Disabled at Widmer End Riding School, where she presented a donation and passed on tips to the young riders.

Inner Wheel member Joan Clerehugh said: “Mary was a long standing and enthusiastic member of Marlow Inner Wheel Club.

“The funeral was attended by many Members and Marlow Rotarians.

“Since moving into a Residential Home, she has had regular visits from the Club, always talking about her memories and love of horses.

“She would have been thrilled with the idea of being drawn in such style for her last ride through Marlow.”

Mrs Sansom leaves behind two daughters and four grandchildren.