Patrick the pony '50 to 1' to secure Christmas number one
The popular Shetland pony has built a following online through his therapy work visiting schools and hospitals
Last updated 16th Dec 2022
Bookies say Devon's so-called 'celebrity pony' is currently '50 to 1' to land this year's Christmas Number.
It's after videos of Torbay-based therapy pony Patrick - who has a placid nature - visiting schools and healthcare settings built a huge online following.
Owner Kirk Petrakis says tomorrow they'll be releasing a version of the song they sing when Patrick meets children in places like schools - where he visits to help with things like mental health struggles.
Earlier this year a special area was created for Patrick at his local pub in Cockington, where he was popular with locals for sipping Guinness
But the dedicated area for when Patrick visits was later removed following a row over planning - and a new one unveiled this week at South Devon's Rowcroft Hospice.
The world-famous miniature Shetland pony had already made several successful trips to Rowcroft’s Inpatient Unit, offering therapy to patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families.
“Originally, I asked Patrick to visit an inpatient who had a great love of horses,” said Claire Hellier, a Clinical Nurse Specialist at the hospice.
“The success of Patrick’s bedside visit led to more visits to other patients in the Inpatient Unit, with really positive feedback from both the patients and their families. There was a feeling that Patrick added real value to their stay and that he brought an aura of calmness and a sense of magic.
“We’re delighted to see the launch of this mobile pen . It will give Patrick a moveable base at the hospice to enable people to interact and spend time with him outside in the fresh air, within the beautiful gardens here at the hospice. And it will enable Patrick to visit the Inpatient Unit during his sessions on the grounds."
In July, Patrick also became the unofficial mayor of Cockington
A Christmas-themed video has been released alongside Patrick's debut single
For more about Patrick click here