The past few weeks have brought difficult and worrying times for us. Now Storm Chandra brings yet more weather warnings of ongoing rainfall impact and flooding.

Earlier this month, Storm Goretti tore through our sanctuary causing loss of power and extensive damage. We worked tirelessly to clear debris, repair what we could and make areas safe for our donkeys and visitors. But, before we could even catch our breath, Storm Ingrid arrived, followed by relentless heavy rain and strong winds.

We have had field shelters obliterated, others badly damaged, roof panels ripped off, trees down, fences destroyed, and many of the precious memory plaques along our memorial walkway were shattered.

Bilbo’s Barn, home to our most vulnerable TLC donkeys, has also suffered immeasurably. The water table beneath the barn has risen dramatically and water is now running over the barn floor. This is the worst possible environment for donkeys with respiratory issues and asthma or foot problems, and we are having to use three times the usual amount of shavings just to try to keep them dry and comfortable.

To make matters worse, there is still a hole in the roof, with water pouring in directly over a heat lamp when it rains, so the lamps currently have to be turned off for safety.

The floor urgently needs radical repair and reconstruction to make the barn safe and suitable again. We have received a quote of just under £36,000 — a huge, unexpected cost that we simply had not budgeted for.

Can you please help us? Anything we can raise towards this vital work will make a real difference.

Please, please donate if you can - we must do everything we can to keep our precious TLC donkeys comfortable, dry and breathing easily. They rely on us for everything.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for standing by our donkeys when they need it most.

UPDATE!

We have been totally overwhelmed by your incredible, wonderful support at what is a difficult time for us. Thanks to you, we have now reached the target to repair and reconstruct the TLC Barn floor and that work will now be done for the donkeys as soon as possible. Any extra funds that are donated will go towards other repairs, new, better heat lamps for our precious souls in the TLC Barn and the dust free shavings that they need.