Kelly and Rosie celebrate their retirement
After racking up over 22 years between them working to provide riding therapy to children with special needs, Kelly and Rosie the donkeys kicked off their retirement with a suitably donkey-themed party on Saturday 14th May.
Both Kelly and Rosie have been working at EST Leeds since 1999 and staff estimate that between them, they have given an amazing 25,000 rides to children with special needs and disabilities. They also built up a large number of devoted supporters over the years who have kept in touch through the charity’s Adopt A Donkey scheme.
Although Kelly and Rosie love their work, they’ve now reached the grand ages of 21 and 22 respectively; and are looking forward to putting their hooves up and enjoying a more sedate lifestyle. Staff celebrated their career and dedication with a party for their fans including traditional cream teas and a very special cake for Kelly and Rosie to share with their donkey friends. After taking part in a parade around the arena, the donkeys were presented with a bucket of carrots before walking along a red carpet to their yard.
Leeds EST’s centre manager Cathryn Williams says: “Both Kelly and Rosie are real cheeky characters with larger than life personalities. They are very loyally bonded to each other and the best of friends; it’s lovely that they’ll be able to enjoy a much deserved quieter retired life together here at the centre. We’re so proud of both of them and couldn’t let them retire without giving them a party to say ‘thank you’ for the contribution they have made to the lives of thousands of children over the years.”
Kelly and Rosie are handing the reins over to new boys Billy O and Joey who will be taking their place on the Adopt A Donkey scheme. A year's adoption of your chosen donkey will cost just £16. For this you will receive a folder containing a Certificate of Adoption, details of your adopted donkey with colour picture, and a lovely A4 pencil drawing. After six months we will then send a letter updating you on what your donkey has been doing. Proceeds from the Adopt A Donkey scheme help to fund EST’s riding therapy sessions.
