He survived homelessness, havign part of his anatomy bitten off and cancer treatment that left him so radioactive he could only be fed with carrots thrown over a fence into his field. Today he helps children even less fortunate than him, and reporter Isabel Jensen finds that the story of Roger the Wonderhorse has a happy ending.

THEY say cats have nine lives, but an animal called Roger is living proof that horses might have just as many.

When he was just a year old, the white and brown mare was savaged by a stallion who bit off his manhood.

But after undergoing major surgery, he battled back from the brink and vets were able to find him a new home at a nearby stable.

But bad luck struck again when the riding stables closed and Roger was made homeless.

He was therefore given back to the vets surgery who called Chigwell Riding Trust, which agreed to take in the stricken animal.

But that was not the end of his grim luck as in 2005, a groom noticed a small lump by Roger’s eye. After undergoing a series of tests, he was diagnosed with skin cancer and had to undergo gruelling radiotherapy in Liverpool Veterinary Hospital.

But Deborah Hall, manager of the riding trust, was amazed to watch Roger fight back to full fitness, despite his gruelling treatment.

She said: “Afterwards, we had to throw food over into an enclosure for him because he was radioactive for a while, and in the summer he has to wear a facemask to protect him from the sun – but he’s a survivor.

“I’d like to think he could go on for at least another ten years.”

She added Roger was perfectly suited to his new role at the trust, helping disabled children learn to ride.

She said: “Because he needs extra care – he lost most of his tail in the attack as well as his private parts – I suppose he’s a special-needs horse.

“He does have a few social problems, but he is just unbelievable with the children and they love him.”

Although he has yet to receive the all-clear, Deborah remains confident Roger, 19, will pull through.

“I’m delighted to say there’s no sign of it. Touch wood he’s in the clear,” she said.

“Roger helps youngsters with their balance, mobility and, most importantly, self esteem.

“If you can imagine what its like being in a wheelchair and looking up at people all day long, for that hour the children are able to sit on high and feel like everyone else. I can’t stress how important that is for all our riders.” Deborah was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours and the riding trust has run for 50 years.

Roger has now built up “a huge fan club” and the riders and grooms have clubbed together to raise funds for his treatment.

One of his closest friends is nine-year-old Annabelle Holdsworth from Loughton, who suffers from cerebral palsy.

Despite her limited mobility Annabelle did a sponsored four mile walk and raised £400 for Roger in March 2008.

She said: “He’s brilliant – when he got cancer it made me sad.”

Not that any of this matters to Roger of course, who is just happy to go about his business making lives better for the youngsters.

The trust is desperately short of volunteers for weekday afternoons. If you can help call 020 8500 6051 or visit chigride.co.uk for more information.