Elisabeth Svendsen Trust

18 year old Emma McLean from Seaton, who volunteers with children with additional needs at The Donkey Sanctuary’s donkey assisted therapy in Sidmouth, has been chosen to carry the Olympic torch through Exeter on Sunday 20th May.

Aspiring doctor Emma has been helping out at The Donkey Sanctuary on Saturdays and during school holidays for over a year now, and says she really enjoys the experience:

This Sunday (15th April 2012), The Donkey Sanctuary will be hosting its first ever combined Family Fun Day and Produce Show at its headquarters in Sidmouth, between 10am – 3pm.

All proceeds from the event will go towards the charity’s donkey assisted therapy programme, which provides therapeutic activities for children with additional needs and therapeutic visits for elderly people in the local community.

The following activities are on offer throughout the day for visitors to watch or take part in:

EST Sidmouth is today launching its 2012 drop in sessions for children with special needs and their families to take part in riding therapy with its donkeys.

The drop in sessions, known as Saturday Clubs, will be running on the second Saturday of each month, starting 11th February at EST Sidmouth, located within the grounds of The Donkey Sanctuary. Saturday Club is an open morning when children with special needs are able to ride the donkeys with their brothers and sisters. It is also a chance to visit adoption donkeys, relax over a cup of tea or coffee and meet other parents, carers and supporters.

EST Sidmouth's PFA is organising a Table Top Sale to raise funds for the centre.

The sale will run from 10am until 1pm with refreshments available throughout the day. Admission and parking is free for buyers, and sellers will be charged at £5.00 per table.

EST Sidmouth is today thrilled to have been presented with a cheque for £2,000 from The Co-operative Membership award to develop a soft play area at the centre for children with special needs and disabilities.

The centre was selected as winners of The Co-operative’s Big Community Vote after being shortlisted for an online poll which invited members to vote for their favourite project.

EST Sidmouth is looking forward to holding two spooky Halloween afternoons on Tuesday 25th and Thursday 27th October from 1.30-3.30pm with fancy dress, a ghost train cart ride and a spook-hunt trail.