'It shows how special this place is': Beloved animal rescue reopens after fundraiser to repair storm damage
“I can’t thank everyone enough for all the love and support they show the animals.”
An animal rescue centre forced to close to the public due to storm damage has reopened after people raised thousands of pounds to help.
Severn Valley Rescue at Billingsley near Bridgnorth is home to around 200 animals, many of which have disabilities.
The centre had to close to the public in November as it struggled to cope with the impact of the wettest winter it has seen.
Constant rain caused flooding and damage to its fields, pathways and animal enclosures.
Being closed to the public starved the site of income normally used to pay for feed, bedding and vet bills.
The centre launched an appeal in February and the public backed the efforts, donating more than £7,000 to an online gofundme page.
Amanda Ball, who founded the rescue, said they were overwhelmed at the response, which has enabled repairs that mean the centre was able to re-open to the public just in time for Easter, providing a vital financial lifeline.
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Amanda said: “I am so incredibly proud of everyone who has helped the rescue get back on its feet.
“I think it shows just how special this place is and how much it means to everyone - and I can’t thank everyone enough for all the love and support they show the animals.”
The situation remains daunting with the centre currently dealing with an outstanding vet bill of £4,500, and ever-present feed bills.
But Amanda said the reopening had been a “special moment”, especially for the animals “who absolutely adore seeing the public”.
She added: “Many have been through trauma and hard times, and they know that Severn Valley Rescue is their safe place, and the people who come here are amazing - we have the best supporters who love and respect the animals as much as we do.
“Many come again and again as they have such great bonds with the animals. All the volunteers here at Severn Valley Rescue are like a family, and everyone has pulled together to make this happen.”
The centre re-opened for two weeks from March 30. All visits must be booked online through a link on the Facebook page.
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