"Sparkle of hope" as community rallies to help Hayling Island Donkey Sanctuary after flooding makes it "impossible" to open to visitors

Hayling Island Donkey Sanctuary, located in Mill Rythe Lane, has been inundated with support after launching a GoFundMe page two days ago following a loss of income due to waterlogged fields and flooding.

A staggering £7,316 has already been raised which will go towards maintaining the sanctuary and looking after the 33 rescued donkeys in the team’s care.

The charity, which was founded by husband and wife duo Paul and Tracey Hunt, said the wet weather has made it ‘impossible’ to open to visitors which is a main source of income.

A spokesperson for the Hayling Island Donkey Sanctuary said: “Caring for donkeys that originate from dry arid conditions is hard enough in this country but with the recent extreme weather conditions it has given us greater challenges.

“Flooded areas and waterlogged fields has made opening to visitors impossible which has impacted on the sanctuary’s Christmas season and preparation for the real winter.”

The GoFundMe page explained that the donkeys ‘have no turnout’ and ‘their paddocks are under water’ meaning the team are going through their winter hay and straw supply faster than anticipated.

The spokesperson added: “Rising costs of feed stuff and no income from open days we decided to set up a GoFund me campaign to try and help give the donkeys what they need - and wow what a heart warming response so far, although this is just a short term fix and the challenges are always there, support for these wonderful animals, however, is encouraging and gives a sparkle of hope.”

Over 200 people have donated to the fundraiser, which has a £10,000 target, with one person contributing £1,000 to the cause.

The donkey sanctuary is primarily run by a team of volunteers and is normally open Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays - for more information, click here.

For more information about the GoFundMe page, click here.