Elisabeth Svendsen Trust

EST is calling on the fun loving public to adopt a donkey this Valentine's Day to help raise vital funds.

The charity has six centres located around the UK run by The Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkeys charity (EST), which provide riding therapy to over 1,000 children from locals schools and hospices every week.

Manager of EST Belfast, Tina Symington, says: "If you are looking to surprise your loved one with something a little different this Valentine's Day, adopting a donkey is the perfect gift. Our adorable donkeys are guaranteed to make the heart melt; and as our charity relies entirely on donations, the gift you choose will have great meaning as it enables us to bring children with special needs in contact with donkeys to have fun and to gain from the therapeutic benefits from riding, such as improved motor skills, hand and eye co-ordination and body posture. The work we do makes a huge difference to these children and their families."

About 'Adopt a Donkey'

•The £16 adoption pack includes a folder, certificate, details of the adopted donkey, a colour picture and features an update letter after six months

•You can add a cuddly donkey to your adoption pack for an additional £4.00

•For an additional £5.00, you can purchase a brand new DVD featuring your adoption donkey and their friends

•A personal message can be included in your 'Adopt a Donkey' gift

•To adopt in time for Valentine's Day, adopt online at: www.adoptadonkey.org.uk or contact your local centre

Each centre must find approximately £250,000 in annual running costs and it's 'Adopt a Donkey' scheme contributes significantly to the charity's overall income. This appeal will suit anyone looking to buy a conscientious gift for their loved one on Valentine's Day and costs £16 for a 12-month subscription.