Pets charity has saved thousands
AN animal-loving charity has been recognised for rescuing thousands of fury creatures in Macclesfield.
For almost 60 years, the team at Windyway Animal Sanctuary has devoted its time to caring for maltreated animals and was celebrated at the North West Charity Awards.
Rescuing hundreds of animals including dogs, guinea pigs, rabbits and ponies, the trust made it to the final of the awards, at the Midland Hotel in Manchester.
Unfortunately, the char- ity did not win on the night but for the band of volunteers at Windyway the main thing is that their work is having a positive impact.
Wendy Dawber, who runs Windyway Head Farm, on Buxton Old Road said: “We’re delighted our work has been acknowledged. Our volunteers are incredible. Their continued fundraising efforts enable Windyway to provide the care and home that animals deserve.”
Christine Earles, from Whirley, has been with the trust for almost 20 years, helping the charity to grow.
She first got involved with the charity in 1998, after she rescued a border collie that couldn’t cope with life on a farm.
Christine said: “I adopted a dog from Windyway. At the time they were struggling quite a lot and so we started a trust in 2005, just five of us.
“And since then the charity has gone from strength to strength and we now have kennels along with two shops on Chestergate - the most recent one opened just last year.”
As well as rescuing pets that have been abandoned or abused by their owners, Windyway also offers help to owners who are struggling to cope.
Christine, who is a teacher at St Bede’s College, in Manchester, explained: “We also do a lot to help those with mental health problems. If owners need to go into respite care then we look after their pets; it’s not just about rescuing anymore.
“The face of animal rescue has changed over the years, you don’t really get stray cats and dogs wandering the streets.
“A lot of the animals we take in come from relatives of owners who have died or who are unable to cope anymore.
“The sanctuary has been active for almost 60 years and currently has more than 100 animals who are loved and cared for on a farm with space to run. It’s emotional work, but wonderfully worthwhile.”