Animal centre is rescued itself – after water boiler blows as winter starts
TWO North West companies have stepped in to save a West Lancashire Animal Sanctuary which was has hit by a broken boiler.
Woodlands Animal Sanctuary, based in Holmeswood, was facing the prospect of enduring the winter with no heating or hot water as it would have been unable to afford a replacement.
The sanctuary, which was set up in 2005, issued a desperate appeal for help on social media as it faced being unable to care for the needy animals.
Woodlands cares for a host of unwanted and neglected farm animals, small domestic animals and species of native wildlife all-year round.
Thanks to two local firms – MKM Southport and St Helens-based M&Y Maintenance and Construction – the sanctuary now has a brand new boiler fitted.
After a member of staff spotted the post on social media, M&Y got in touch to offer its support.
The boiler was provided free of charge by local builders merchants MKM, with M&Y Maintenance arranging for one of its staff to visit the sanctuary to fit it.
Gill Kelly, the managing director of M&Y Maintenance and Construction, said: “We are team of animal lovers here and so there was no question about providing support once heard of Woodlands’ troubles.
“Our contractor, Lee Edwards, has also agreed to perform the 12 month service for free and ensure the boiler remains under warranty. I am delighted that we have been able to help a great charity and ensure that all the animals have a warm winter.”
Woodlands Animal Sanctuary specialises in rehoming cats, guinea pigs and rehabilitating hedgehogs. To find out more visit woodlandsanimalsanctuary.org.uk
Hannah, an animal carer from Woodlands, said: “We are absolutely delighted that M&Y Maintenance and Construction and MKM Southport came to the rescue and provided us with a fully working boiler.
“Without heating in the shelter we would be unable to provide the standard of care we are accustomed to giving to the animals that come in, often in a desperate state and so it is fantastic that we are back up and running.”
A second representative of the charity added: “We really hope you can understand just how much your generosity means to us and the weight you have lifted from our shoulders, (not to mention our budget) by doing this for us.
“We can now be confident that we will be able to care for all of our animals throughout the winter without the constant worry of being without heating and hot water.”