Emily, 7, gives donkey charity a funding boost
AN animal-loving seven-year-old is cooking up a storm for a donkey charity.
Ivy Bank pupil and horse-fan Emily Heathcote was delighted to receive the gift of an adopted donkey named Toby from her aunty Jackie Bagnall this Christmas.
But after her first visit to meet her new charge, Emily was shocked by how much funding was needed to keep mules like Toby in hay and medicine and put a roof over their heads.
The enterprising year six student, who has autism and will be starting secondary education at a special school in Leek next year, has now made it her mission to raise funds for the centre, capitalising on her cooking skills and selling crispy cakes to family, classmates and neighbours.
Emily, who lives on the Weston with mum Vicky and dad, Simon, has raised £70 this week, and orders for the cake are coming thick and fast.
Vicky, 43, said: “Autism sufferers often feel a special connection with animals and Emily is no different in that way.
“Since she was little Emily has shown a love for animals – I remember how her grandma used to be terrified of spiders and Emily would beg her not to put them out of the window.”
Vicky, who works in Macclesfield Indoor Market, added: “Emily has loved horses since a friend of hers let her ride on their one a few years ago.
“She goes along to the Mini Saddle Club every few weeks in Carrington.
“It would be wonderful if she could own a horse one day, but in the meantime Toby is a great substitute.”
Emily and Vicky were also pleasantly surprised to receive an anonymous donation through their letter box from a kindly donor.
The money has been donated to the Manchester Donkey Sanctuary in Abbey Hey, an international animal welfare charity that aims to protect donkeys and mules and promote their welfare worldwide.
For more information about how you can help the charity visit: thedonkeysanctuary.org. uk/contact/manchester.