Pony rescue charity in Cornwall issues appeal after Storm Arwen destroyed shelters
The Bodmin Moorland Pony Rehabilitation Centre has launched a winter disaster campaign
Last updated 1st Dec 2021
A charity that rescues moorland ponies in Cornwall has had its field shelters destroyed by Storm Arwen.
Gales tore down the structures within minutes of each other, just two weeks after they were built and this is the SECOND year they have lost the shelters.
Now Bodmin Moorland Pony Rehabilitation has launched its new winter disaster campaign, to try and rebuild.
The charity, which is run by volunteers, are trying to raise £5,000 to replace the shelters and fix damaged fencing.
The BMPR have described the situation as "completely heartbreaking" and say the entire team is devastated.
Posting on their Just Giving Crowdfunder page, Shelley Oldfield said: "Disaster has struck once again! After the devastation of losing our field shelters last winter within a couple of weeks of installation we appealed recently for help to resurrect them once more and with overwhelming support a team of volunteers got together to make this happen for our little charity and its residents.
"Not even a fortnight later, with the onset of Storm Arwen, we have once more lost both field shelters within minutes of each other!
"Again, we are completely devastated. With winter upon us and the glimmer of hope that we could give our ponies a dry roof overhead, it has now been ripped away from us once more.
"We are such a small cause and are so often overlooked when it comes to support.
"We were so lucky to have had these structures funded to the cost of £4,200 last year, this new blow is just completely heartbreaking.
"On top of this we will also now have to replace damaged fencing added to the usual worries of our running costs escalating because of winter which was concern enough with the impact that the Covid pandemic has had on our fundraising and regular donation income".
The post continues: "As a 100% volunteer-run charity, we work so hard with so very little to ensure our residents receive the best of care and at this point it is truly soul destroying.
"So we are here, cap in hand, asking that, if you can help us in any way, please, please support our appeal and help us raise the funds that we desperately need to replace at least one of our shelters and provide our ponies with everything they need this winter".
More information about the appeal and a donation link can be found on the Just Giving Page.