This January I will be going to Luxor in Egypt to work as a volunteer for two months at the veterinary hospital run by the charity, Animal Care in Egypt. The hospital offers free services to the poorest people in Egypt who rely on their working animals, mainly horses and donkeys, to house and feed their families. Around 3,000 animals are treated each month by its team of vets and helpers.

Volunteering at the hospital is a very personal venture for me. We each have issues that are close to our hearts. So much of the joy in my life has come from animals, especially horses, and friends will know of the struggles I have had to get back on my feet following the loss of my own beloved horse, Gilbert, three years ago. My hope is that this work will finally help me on my way to finding a new sense of purpose and fulfilment.

If I can inspire you through my efforts to make a donation, however small, to the charity for which I will be working, I will be very grateful. Thank you so much.