Hope Pastures is based in my Leeds North East Parliamentary constituency where I have been the MP since 1997.  The charity's fundraiser contacted me recently to ask whether I could help raise funds during this very difficult period for them and for all charities, and whether I could help publicise its work.  I am happy to do both because caring for animals in distress is a deeply humanitarian activity. 

Hope Pastures rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes horses, ponies and donkeys across the North. We also provide the opportunity for people to meet the animals and learn about them and how to look after them. Donations to the charity helps to prevent suffering and to improve and save lives and 95p of every £1 you donate goes directly to help the animals.To raise money, we have launched the #HopePasturesBig30 Challenge. It is an all-inclusive virtual challenge and we are asking you to raise £30 for our 30 on-site homes! Why not base your activity around the number 30 as well? Your challenge could be active (riding, running, football) or not (tack cleaning, baking, knitting). The choice is yours – we can't wait to see your ideas!