Steve Sharp’s 3-Day Challenge: Colchester > Land’s End > John O’ Groats.

Fundraising for Hayling Island Donkey Sanctuary

Raising vital donations for Hayling Island Donkey Sanctuary: A lifelong place of loving care and peace for ex working, abused and unwanted donkeys.

Any amount large or small is greatly appreciated!

----- My Hayling Island Donkey Sanctuary Story -----

As an avid Motorcycle owner and rider of 43 years, I have been planning to take on the Land’s End to John O’ Groats challenge for some time.

My family and I recently visited the sanctuary and met their beautiful 22-strong Donkey herd (not forgetting the 4 Sheep and 1 Horse!)

I was so moved by the stories of the herd, as well as the passion and dedication of the small band of amazing volunteers who shared them with us, that I have decided its time to ‘saddle up’ and take on the challenge, in the name of raising money for Hayling Island Donkey Sanctuary.

---- My Motorcycle Challenge ----

To raise funds for the Sanctuary, I will be riding my Yamaha Tracer 900 GT from Colchester to Land’s End, before turning round and riding north to John O’ Groats.

14th September: Colchester to Land’s End

15th September: Land’s End to Kendal

16th September: Kendal to John O’ Groats

As an Army Veteran of 22 years (and father of two!) I’ve faced some long days and nights – however this challenge is unlike anything I’ve taken on before, so any support, no matter how ‘small’ – will be huge to me. Thank you.

----- Why support Hayling Island Donkey Sanctuary -----

Many have enjoyed the rewards from these hard-working animals but what happens when they become too old to work, have problems, or nobody wants them?

• The team at Hayling Island Donkey Sanctuary passionately believe they deserve a comfortable, safe home, quality care and affection for the rest of their lives and they are developing such a place on Hayling Island.

• The Sanctuary provides a place of peace for people from all parts of the community to visit, enabling therapy, education and magical interaction with the donkeys.

• During the Covid-19 lockdowns, the sanctuary’s vital income streams dried up, with no more open days, nursing home therapy visits, attending shows, events, Palm Sunday parades etc.

• This posed a real threat to the future of the sanctuary, and they found themselves in urgent need of help to provide for the animals’ daily needs, food and medical attention.

• Without your support, the Hayling Island Donkey Sanctuary’s crucial work can't continue. As a charity, they rely on visitors, donations, fundraising and sponsorships to keep their operations running

Please give anything you can to help secure a place of loving care and peace for ex working donkeys and those in need of help.

Every donation makes a difference:

• £5 will buy a bale of good quality hay that the donkeys need and love.

• £10 would buy a course of antibiotics that can be used to treat a skin infection and provide great relief.

• £20 will pay for a visit from the farrier to trim a donkey’s feet to make sure they are comfortable and sound.

• £30 will pay for a donkey’s teeth checking and rasping to ensure they are comfortable, reducing mouth ulcers and making sure they can chew properly and get the most out of their food.

• £50 would enable a vet to administer a vaccination to protect them against equine influenza.

• £100 would buy the materials to replace 9m of fencing.