Storm-hit rescue sees thousands raised by public

3 hours ago

Kate Tebbyin Bridgnorth

News image — Amanda Ball said people who had never been to the rescue were offering help

BBC A woman with long, wavy white blonde hair in a red jumper, leaning on a metal fence in an outdoor animal sanctuary. Behind her are several curious sheep in an enclosure behind a metal fence and gate, they are gathered behind her. In the background, a yard stretches off and is covered in wet brown mud and water. — Amanda Ball said people who had never been to the rescue were offering help

The owner of a Shropshire animal sanctuary that launched a fundraising appeal after wet weather and storms caused thousands of pounds in damage has said supporters have rallied around to help in the aftermath.

Severn Valley Rescue, in Billingsley near Bridgnorth, began as a donkey sanctuary and looks after more than 200 animals, many with disabilities.

On Sunday, it announced it would temporarily close after storms and heavy rainfall wrecked fences and gates and waterlogged fields.

"It's just so important we pull through and now I'm getting that sense we will, people are coming [to help] who we've never met before," said Amanda Ball.

More than £5,000 has been raised towards the £10,000 appeal goal, though the rescue has estimated the total damage at about £50,000.

That includes things like loss of income due to the closure, vet bills and animal feed.

"People are rallying round and doing their best," she said. "We've had a really good response to our appeal so far."

A field area between two metal gates that is completely saturated with wet brown mud and hay. There is a red cone on the right near a metal gate and a yellow container on the floor. — The centre said the closure was for health and safety reasons

"We've got enough to make a start now, so we can start on Mr Bump's paddock - Mr Bump is the blind donkey," she said.

"We're going to make a start on him and work our way down, really."

Other animals at the site include alpacas, pigs and ponies.

Ball added that "a couple of thousand pounds" had been donated outside the fundraiser.

Severn Valley Rescue normally opens throughout Christmas, on weekends in the winter and in February half term - which has been thwarted by the damage.

A woman with white blonde wavy hair in a red jumper is crouched down in a field. She has her arms in front of her - one is holding a white bucket. A large beige goat with horns atop its head is sticking its face into the bucket. Near her other hand, two goats are close to her - one is black and white with horns and the other is black and brown with cream coloured ears. The field beyond has green grass and is very muddy, with hay leading up to a small wooden enclosure — There are more than 200 animals at the site, many of which are disabled or have been through trauma

Ball is hoping that the site will be able to open for Easter.

"With a bit of luck and a bit of a miracle I'm hoping we might, even if it's on a very limited basis," she told the BBC.

"As soon as it went out there everyone just rallied together, all our supporters, and you see the messages of support coming through."

The site also provides therapy to young people and adults with special educational needs, and is described as a safe place for people with ADHD and who are autistic.

Activities include goat therapy, alpaca walking and donkey parties.

"Everyone says the same, this place cannot close... I do think it's too special just to let it go," she added.

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