'The support has been amazing': More than £20,000 raised in aid of much-loved Sedgley animal sanctuary damaged by Storm Goretti
An emergency fundraising appeal that was launched less than three days ago has already raised £20,000.
A GoFundMe appeal for Brockswood Animal Sanctuary, on Catholic Lane, Sedgley, has raised £21,485 after being launched only two days ago.
The fundraiser was started after the much-loved sanctuary was heavily damaged during Storm Goretti, which devastated the chicken coops, rabbit runs and other areas of housing.
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The sanctuary looks after more than 300 animals, from goats, donkeys and chickens to emus and farm animals.
The storm caused the death of one of the sanctuary's ducks, and eight staff and 15 core volunteers now face the battle to clear up and repair the damage.
However, in a show of 'community spirit', more than 830 people have donated to the group's fundraising cause, raising £21,625, and many members of the local community have turned up to help clean up and rebuild.
Neil Swann, director of Brockswood Animal Sanctuary, said: "The community spirit that has been shown has been amazing.
"We are struggling to keep up with all the help that is being offered. We are trying to get back to people, but we've had hundreds of phone calls and emails.
"People have been going to building merchants to get us timber and supplies, just to find that they have already donated to us. It really builds your faith in humanity."
The appeal has a goal of £25,000, with just over £21,000 of that already being raised.
Through the fundraising appeal, Mr Swann said that any amount donated will 'make a huge difference' to their cherished animals.
Mr Swann said: "Winter is always a hard time for us, but this is a bitter blow to all of the hard work, care and love that has been poured into our sanctuary over the last 20 years - what happens next will be critical to our future.
"If you have ever loved Brockswood, visited us, followed our journey or believed in what we do, we really, really need you now.
"Any donation, no matter how small, will make a huge difference to our cherished animals - Please help us rebuild their home."
If you would like to donate to Mr Swann's cause, visit the Brockswood Emergency Repairs Appeal fundraiser on the GoFundMe website.
