Essex-based Alpaca walking business fundraising after storm destroys shelter
The strong winds completely destroyed their shelter
Last updated 25th Feb 2022
The owner of an Essex based alpaca walking business is asking the public for help after last week's storms caused lots of damage to the animal's enclosure.
All Things Alpaca is based at Lathcoats Farm in Chelmsford.
It's home to seven Alpacas, which members of the public are able to take out on treks around the farm's orchard.
They normally have a smaller 'on-show' paddock, and a larger, private paddock which is home to a shelter the Alpacas can relax in, however strong winds from Storm Eunice destroyed this shelter.
Storm Eunice destroyed the shelter
Rebecca Shipman, owner of All Things Alpaca, which opened last August, is now asking for donations to help her rebuild the shelter.
She says high material costs, and needing a reserve of money in case the Alpacas require emergency vet treatment, means she cannot currently afford to finance the rebuild herself.
Rebecca's hoping to raise ÂŁ3000, and is currently almost halfway to her goal.
She says the support has been amazing: "I'm blown away, no pun intended.
"We've had such support. This gentleman in America who runs a Llama farm donated ÂŁ500 considering I don't know this guy, that's incredible!"
There have also been lots of donations from closer to home: "One of our trekkers sold some of her toys at the weekend to raise money to put towards the Alpacas, which is just unbelievable."
For more information on Rebecca's cause, click here.