'Sleepless nights' for Hayling Island Donkey Sanctuary founders as they face unprecedented vet bills prompting GoFundMe fundraiser
The founders of a cherished donkey sanctuary are facing “sleepless nights” following unprecedented vet bills in excess of £20,000.
The rescue centre, which takes in ex-working, abused, unwanted and abandoned donkeys, has already raised £8,276 in a matter of days after setting up the GoFundMe page on March 6, with 289 people donating.
The fundraiser said: “We have seen over these last few months an unprecedented amount of essential vet bills which even now are ongoing. This is proving to be a heavy drain on our resources particularly when added to the cost of caring for several other elderly donkeys at the sanctuary needing specialised on going treatment and life long medication.
“Since the new year we have received vet bills exceeding £20,000 with more yet to come and are looking to raise funds to contribute towards these it’s literally been one thing after another with the donkeys and the vets have been out which seems like every day. We have to throw it out to you our supporters in the hope you can help it’s such a constant worry and a strain so many sleepless nights, we often question ourselves.”
Some of the unexpected vet bills include treatment for Annie’s ongoing lameness, Dougal’s hospitalisation for ultrasound investigations, the surprise birth of Dominic who had to be hospitalised due to being born with neonatal maladjustment syndrome, and more.
The founders of the sanctuary, Tracey and Paul Hunt, also set up a fundraiser at the end of last year after persistent wet weather forced the centre to close its doors to visitors, resulting in the loss of a prominent revenue source. The previous appeal saw 636 people donate, raising £20,822.