Donkeys needing special care are breathing easier at a Penryn sanctuary thanks to a gift from a corporate supporter.

The Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary was delighted when BreathEazy, a Malvern-based veterinary equipment company, recently donated an expensive respiratory aid to keep some of its residents more comfortable.

The charity rescues donkeys from conditions of abuse, neglect and abandonment and report that a number of them have been struggling with ongoing breathing problems, exacerbated by the damp Cornish climate and their poor past treatment.

With more than 100 equine residents at the sanctuary, many of them elderly or with ongoing medical issues, experts at the sanctuary say they knew they had to invest in a 'Flexineb' respiratory aid after they heard about its great success in treating equines with broncho-constriction and recurrent airway obstruction.

Somerset County Gazette:

Buttercup using the Flexineb

As a small charity regularly receiving requests to rescue more equines in desperate need, funds are limited, so Flicka’s team were thrilled when BreathEazy stepped in to help.

Flicka Foundation director of development, Claire Turnbull, said: “We were absolutely thrilled to receive the news that not just one, but two Flexineb systems were on their way to us.

"We know it will help our special care residents so much - a big thank you to BreathEazy for their wonderful support!”

Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, the charity has rescued and rehabilitated more than 1000 animals since its inception in 1995.

Members of the public are usually welcome to visit the donkeys year-round, but the sanctuary site has been closed since March due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

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Claire said: “BreathEazy’s kind generosity has been such a wonderful boost, especially at what is a very difficult time for us.

"As for so many other charities, businesses and individuals, this is an incredibly worrying time for us financially.

"We rely heavily on visitors coming through our sanctuary gates to feed and care for our precious donkeys, but, due to the complexities of opening during the ongoing pandemic, we remain closed and we have sadly had to cancel all of our upcoming Silver Jubilee Anniversary events.”

Jon Slattery, veterinary director at BreathEazy Ltd said: “We were delighted to be able to donate a couple of our systems for the donkeys at the sanctuary. We love donkeys and it is our pleasure to be able to help such a good cause.”