Back in March, our Spanish team at El refugio del Burrito received an anonymous call reporting the terrible physical condition of a donkey in Segorbe (Castellon, Spain). This donkey was later named Vida (which means 'Life' in Spanish).

Vida was being used by his owner to pull a cart full of scrap from town to town, a relentless task which left him dangerously exhausted. On 10 March, after another exhausting day, Vida collapsed.

A veterinary examination revealed that Vida was suffering from extreme malnutrition and was so weak that his life was at risk. Further veterinary examination revealed that Vida was also suffering from hoof infections, multiple grazes caused by inappropriate harnesses and serious internal and external parasitic infections.

Thanks to the generosity of our wonderful supporters, our Spanish team was able to rescue Vida and give him the urgent medical treatment and love he so desperately needed. Now fully recovered, Vida lives in the full  time care of El Refugio del Burrito, along with 300 other rescued and relinquished donkeys.

Now, 6 amazing Donkey Sanctuary supporters have signed up to run the London Marathon's gruelling 26.2  miles, hoping to raise £10,000 to help alleviate the suffering of even more donkeys and mules like Vida, living and working in appalling conditions worldwide. Please support them and either set up your own fundraising page to help them reach their £10,000 target or simply donate what you can.

Thank you!