Elisabeth Svendsen Trust

A Sidmouth-based donkey riding charity for children with special needs and disabilities is calling on the fun loving public to adopt a donkey this Valentine's Day to help raise vital funds for its cause.

The centre is one of five located around the country run by The Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkeys charity (EST), which provides riding therapy to over 750 children from locals schools and hospices every week.

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 a modest £16 for a 12-month subscription.

Chris Phillips, Fundraising Assistant at EST says: "If you are looking to surprise your loved one with something a little different this Valentine's Day, adopting a donkey is just what you are looking for. Our donkeys are all adorable so 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 varying 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."

About 'Adopt a Donkey'

• There are 20 donkeys to choose from, located in Birmingham, Ivybridge, Leeds, Manchester and Sidmouth.
• The £16 adoption pack includes a folder, certificate, details of the adopted donkey, a colour picture and a beautiful A4 pencil drawing, and features an update letter after six months.
• For an additional £6.50, you can purchase a DVD featuring all the adoption donkeys.
• A personal message can be included in your 'Adopt a Donkey' gift.
• To adopt in time for Valentine's Day, adopt online at: www.elisabethsvendsentrust.org.uk/adoptions or call +44 (0) 1395 573034