TV star and writer Charlie Cooper has backed an animal charity that has been hit hard by the cost-of-living crisis.
Charlie, best known for playing Kurtan Mucklowe in the BBC ‘mockumentary’ This Country, visited Nailsworth Donkey Sanctuary last week to see Rollo, the donkey he sponsors. The sanctuary was established 12 years ago by Dawn Cockell and her partner Tim, though ill health means he is no longer able to work there.
“I’ve always been a big fan of donkeys – I think they’re my spirit animal. Becca, my partner, sponsored a donkey here at Nailsworth Donkey Sanctuary a couple of years ago because of how much I love donkeys,” explained Charlie.
“We’ve been a few times to visit, and it’s just the best thing. Meeting Tim and Dawn here, who run the place, and seeing their passion and how much care they have for these animals is just so humbling, it’s a really positive thing.”
The sanctuary is home to 11 donkeys and three sheep, but spiralling costs mean it is becoming ever harder to run.
“In the beginning, both me and Tim worked, so we could fund it all ourselves. But now Tim is very poorly and I’m now his full-time carer. Neither of us work now, so we just rely on visitors and donations, and the generosity of people to keep us going,” said Dawn.
Dawn and Tim are supported by a team of dedicated volunteers who help out at the site in Newmarket Road, including Dawn’s grandson, Charlie.
A GoFundMe appeal started last November has so far raised £3,699 of the £4,000 target.
“You always worry about the future,” added Dawn.
“Everybody’s struggling with money at the minute, and having all these animals to look after is a worry, but we will keep going as long as we can keep going.”
To donate to the GoFundMe click here
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