Charities

Emily is autistic and has very limited vision and hearing, making communication difficult for her, but The Donkey Sanctuary and a miniature donkey named Juniper have helped her make a connection into the world around her. 23-year-old Emily from Exeter often struggles to control her emotions and can at times become very distressed and confused, but since coming to The Donkey Sanctuary headquarters in Sidmouth, Emily has learnt that donkeys are more than just adorably long ears, soft furry noses and charming characters; donkeys matter and can help with the development of critical life skills...

Hundreds of men braved the plunging temperatures and snow flurries on Saturday to step it out in Hospiscare’s Men’s Walk 2018. Some 900 men – 250 more than last year – signed up for the challenge, making it Hospiscare’s most successful Men’s Walk ever.

Temperatures may have been low but spirits were high as the walkers set off from the Double Locks pub, while along the route they were buoyed by the enthusiastic support and encouragement of a team of stalwart volunteers. On return to the pub they settled down with a pasty and a pint to watch Ireland beat England to achieve the grand...

Late night winter runs in the blistering cold and freezing rain couldn’t stop Jack Warne, 28, from Willand, who was determined to run the Bideford Half Marathon in aid of The Wave Project.

Jack, who grew up in Devon and recently graduated from Exeter University, now works as Marketing Executive for QuayClick, a digital marketing agency based on the Quay in Exeter. With the support of his friends, workplace colleagues and family, Jack was able to smash his fundraising target, raising over £250 for The Wave Project.

Jack said: “I was filled with determination to complete the...

Former politician and long-time SPANA ambassador Ann Widdecombe has been around the globe in recent years, highlighting the troubles faced by some of the world’s 200 million working animals.

Ann has worked with SPANA in countries such as Mauritania and Egypt and has witnessed first-hand the horrific conditions these donkeys, horses and other working animals face on a daily basis. SPANA (the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad) operates veterinary centres and mobile clinics in places such as the capital of Mauritania, Nouakchott. Incredibly, despite its population of over...