A MOTHER of two from Hereford who bravely beat breast cancer has died following a freak horse riding accident.

Geraldine Rose, 51, was pronounced dead after falling from a horse while riding along Llangennith Beach in the Gower, South Wales, on Sunday morning.

The former head of marketing and communications at St Michael’s Hospice in Bartestree had recently battled and beaten cancer, having been diagnosed in 2011.

She leaves a husband, Tim, and two sons, Olly, 16, and 12 year-old Henry, who she lived with in Fownhope.

Hospice staff were said to be in tears when the news of her death was announced.

“Geraldine was a much loved member of staff at St Michael’s Hospice and her former colleagues have been devastated by the news,” said Nicky West, the hospice’s chief executive officer.

“Geraldine’s vibrant personality and zest for life made an enormous contribution to St Michael’s.

“Her exceptional writing skills and empathy for patients and families helped create thought-provoking articles about our work here.

“Geraldine’s love of life brought joy to the people she spent time with. Her sudden death is a shock, leaving friends and former colleagues saddened and in tears.

“She will be greatly missed by everyone at St Michael’s Hospice.”

Mrs Rose was with a friend, who was also riding a horse, when the accident happened.

It is believed riding a horse on a beach was something she had always wanted to do.

Mrs Rose spent more than seven years at the hospice.

Emergency services were called to Llangennith Beach, popular with holidaymakers, just after 8.45am on Sunday.

A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “A crew in an emergency ambulance attended together with a first responder and a Wales Air Ambulance.

“Sadly, a woman in her 50s was pronounced dead at the scene.”

South Wales Police also confirmed the death, adding there were no suspicious circumstances. It is believed a jogger stopped to help try and resuscitate Mrs Rose, while her riding partner also attempted to revive her.

The coroner’s office for Swansea said it would not be making a decision on whether to open an inquest until it knew the results of a post mortem.

Llangennith Beach, at the northern end of Rhossili Bay, is on the western edge of the Gower, 18 miles from Swansea.

It is part of a broad, three mile stretch of sand.