Being an unwanted, injured or abandoned animal is hard enough at the best of times. However, imagine a life being dumped at the side of the road or hit by a car in the intense winters of Serbia.

That's were Dejan Gacic comes in. He has owned Vucjack Shelter in Kragujevac, Serbia for over 20 years and has rescued, provided medical attention, fed and sheltered the growing number of stray dogs who were abandoned, discarded, starved and abused.

Following the shelter's story online from my home in England has constantly broken my heart, seeing the issues they have to contend with. Those who know me will know how huge of an animal advocate I have always been and I support many different charities. Why this one? Dejan never turns an animal away and their website states that 'As of October 1, 2020 our shelter is the home to over 900 dogs, 130 cats, 13 wolves, 2 fox and 1 jackal.' Photos and videos show happy animals being cared for by wonderful people, but in tough conditions. With the Global Pandemic and a harsh winter approaching/here donations are needed more than ever.

With so many animals and a lot of work, I wanted to raise some funds to contribute to the staggering costs they incur. Winter is here and it is an extra difficult time. Please consider donating to help with food, vets fees, building of new winter shelters, rent for the home where the very ill animals are housed and way more.

I also urge you to check out their website https://www.vucjakshelter.org/ as well as their social media pages https://www.instagram.com/vucjakshelter/ to get a true look into life at Vucjak Shelter.

For this cause I am asking for your sponsorship as I tackle a 90-mile virtual walk of Hadrians Wall across the North East of England - from coast to coast. Due to shielding, I have been unable to get out on our usual hikes and adventures but I will use this as motivation and work through my arthritis pains to complete the goal. Keep an eye out for updates of a starting date (Mid-Late January) and how I am progressing.

Thank you.