Update for Members & Supporters of the Sanctuary

2012 so far…

Apart from the last week or so the weather has been better than expected – although of course it is never ideal for Fiona to be outside for so long during the Winter months and this last week Fiona has been struggling with Flu.

Despite our position we were unable to see Pippa, Dino & Holly Dogs be put down and so agreed to take them in in the past few weeks. Also two more horses have been saved (Princess Nuala & Ghost) & not forgetting Eve the Calf who we rescued at Christmas!

There are 2 key reasons for this update:

First is to explain (for those who do not yet know) that Fiona is hoping to compete in the toughest foot race on the Planet – the Marathon des Sables which is held annually in the Sahara Desert in April. Despite her disability (knee replacement) Fiona has completed over 20 marathons and holds no less than 4 course records (2 in the UK & 2 in Finland).

Fiona is running as part of the Facing Africa team (who carry out facial rebuild surgery on the victims of the disease NOMA see http://www.facingafrica.org for details. Fiona has to raise a min of £5000 for this cause. (any shortfall we will have to fund ourselves privately)

We have set up a donation page at http://www.towerhillstables.com/MdS2012.html

As you will see there are 3 sponsorship options – one for Facing Africa, one for the Animals at the Sanctuary & one for the Vegan Society who are helping promote the event.

The Marathon des Sables is 154 miles across the Sahara desert, carrying all your supplies for 6 days on your back in temperatures up to 50 degrees C & below freezing at night. One of the stages is 50 miles alone !! It’s not for the fainthearted.

This is the ultimate test of endurance & we believe that Fiona will be the first female Vegan to attempt this. I, (Martin), will be taking annual leave from my job to look after the animals in April when the event occurs. It will be featured on Eurosport and hopefully will raise awareness for the incredible work that Fiona does.

The second reason is an appeal to help with the Winter feed bills. The colder weather means that we need to feed more to keep the animal warm & healthy. We fully appreciate the difficult economic climate that we all find ourselves in, and this has resulted in overall membership dropping to around 240 people. Clearly we have to carry on feeding everyone and this makes it much harder for us. Thank you to all who are helping the animals here

As you know, we are not a business and we do not do this for a living – nothing is taken from donations as income, expenses or rent – it all goes towards the feed bills.

If you can help by sending an extra donation for the animals, we would really appreciate it.

Alternatively, if you are not a member and would like to help the animals by joining the Sanctuary, you can do so from just £1 a month – see the link here to see how to set up a regular standing order http://www.towerhillstables.com/Help.html

Donations can be made by paypal to [email protected] or by cheque payable to Tower Hill Stables Animal Sanctuary, posted to us at Asheldham, Essex, CM0 7DZ

Please pass this onto anyone who may be interested !

Thank you very much

on behalf of Fiona & the Gang !

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