A STRUGGLING animal sanctuary could face ‘heartbreak’ if it fails to secure vital funding.
The Farm Animal Rescue Sanctuary (FARS), between Warwick and Stratford, is at risk following a tough financial year which has seen demand for places and day-to-day running costs spiral.
Owner Carole Webb and her team are desperate to either relocate the Wolverton sanctuary – which is outgrowing its premises – or carry out an urgent redevelopment of the site – which is around 25 football pitches in size.
The 75-year-old originally set up the charity in Cambridge after she heard about a newborn lamb not expected to live and convinced the farmer to let her take him. It was after she took the lamb home to hand rear that the former vet nurse ‘realised her calling’.
Her family of rescued animals has grown to more than 400 – including sheep, pigs and goats.
But now the sanctuary is struggling to take accommodate any more.
Administrator Sharon Bull, who has been helping with the sanctuary’s cash flow headache, said: “It’s very difficult to turn your back on any animal in need and especially at this time of year when we tend to get rescued baby lambs. We are officially closed to rescued animals at the moment, but there will always be times when our hearts will break those rules. It’s what we are there for.”
Sharon began helping the sanctuary after a struggle with her mental health and a shopping addiction which spiralled out of control.
She added: “For myself and many of the sanctuary’s loyal supporters who visit, it’s a place of happiness, love and compassion. I myself have had many problems, so I understand when supporters say ‘Once I am through the sanctuary gates the whole world and its problems disappear’. The animals are a source of comfort for a lot of people.
“It would be heartbreaking if we had to close – not only for Carole and the animals, but for our supporters too.”
Carole’s own life has also been touched by tragedy after her 32-year-old disabled daughter Melanie died of a heart attack.
She lost her mother to breast cancer shortly after.
And now with the sanctuary in jeopardy, she and her team are urging the public to get behind them and help secure its future.
The sanctuary is hoping to gain charity status in the hope of a much-needed funding boost and is also holding a number of fund-raising events.
Search ‘FARS Warwickshire’ on Facebook for more details.
Visit payments.crowdfunder.co.uk/for-the-love-of-larry to donate directly to the sanctuary.
