'It could be weeks before we re-open': Much-loved Sedgley animal sanctuary needs help after Storm Goretti devastation
The director of a Sedgley animal sanctuary said they have been "overwhelmed" by the generous response of the public to devastation caused to its site during Storm Goretti.
Neil Swann from Brockswood Animal Sanctuary in Catholic Lane said they were facing a "massive clearing-up operation" before they can open to the public again after the storm on Thursday night (January 8) devastated chicken aviaries, rabbit runs and other areas housing animals.
The sanctuary looks after more than 300 animals, from goats, donkeys and chickens to emus and farm animals. One duck sadly died as the storm hit and the eight staff and 15 core volunteers now face a battle to clear up and repair the damage.
But a GoFundMe page set up only on Saturday to raise £15,000 towards the cost of the repairs has already surpassed £5,000 and Neil said his phone hadn't stopped ringing since Friday.
See the fundraiser and donate here
He said: "The response has been incredible, there was so much damage caused to the buildings housing our animals, and the phone lines and wi-fi went down as well so all the calls are now coming through to me.
"We only lost one of the animals during the storm, which was heart-breaking but it could have been worse.
"Alongside that, we've had to evacuate and temporarily rehouse others, such as Bailey the chicken whose enclosure collapsed under the weight of snow.
"Fortunately, he was safely tucked up in his shelter and is unharmed, but his home will need to be completely re-built.
"Overall the storm has caused devastating damage to our animal sanctuary; animal homes have collapsed, including newly built, strong structures that were meant to last for years.
"And until the snow actually clears we won't be able to fully assess the extent of the damage, though we know it is bad and it will take a lot of rebuilding.
"Already the fundraiser which only went live on Saturday morning has raised over £2,500 which shows what the community think of the sanctuary and how generous and warm-hearted they are - we thank them all very much for their support.
"It is probably going to be a week if not weeks until we can start welcoming visitors back to the site and everyone here wants it to happen as soon as possible, but at least we know the animals are safe and cared for whilst we rebuild."
The sanctuary is currently closed to the public but can be contacted at office@brockswood.org.uk.
