A GAME of Thrones star has given a shout-out to Somerset's Happy Landings Animal Sanctuary to help it reach its fundraising goal of £40,000.
Emilia Clarke, who plays the Mother of Dragons, Daenerys Targaryen, has given the Pylle sanctuary a shout-out after meeting Bertie the pygmy goat, just one of the animals the charity has helped rescue over the last 40 years.
In total, more than 10,000 animals have been rescued and taken in to the sanctuary's care, the first being a goose called Pimple.
Annabelle Walters, founder of the charity, shares Pimple's story: “It had flown into some overhead wires and was badly injured. I’d had plenty of experience with birds before and over the course of a few days, was able to rehabilitate it so it was well enough to fly away.”
The sanctuary has rescued everything from dogs, cats, horses and rabbits.
Annabelle added: “If it’s furry or feathered and in need - and if we have capacity - then we will help. Animals offer great therapy, comfort and companionship to mankind, they deserve our help.”
In the coming months, the charity will be celebrating its 40th anniversary. To celebrate, it is hoping to raise £40,000 which will be used to fund vets bills, shelter, heating, food and specialist care for its existing and new rescues.
Annabelle concludes: "Our biggest obstacle has always been financial stability. If it wasn’t for the generosity of people who feel like I do, we’d never have lasted 40 years.
"Like other small local charities, we struggle to continually raise enough to feel safe - it would be incredible to achieve that.”
Speaking further about Emilia Clarke's support, a spokesperson from the charity said: "Huge thanks to Game of Thrones star, Emilia Clarke MBE. She recently took this selfie with Bertie, one of our old rescue pygmy goats, and then gave us a shout out on her Instagram account, to help boost our 40-year anniversary appeal."
Emilia isn't the only one who has pledged her support. Tessa Carr, a pet portrait watercolour artist, has promised to donate 10 per cent of the fees for her commissions to the sanctuary.
Residents can also get involved. Donations can be made on the charity's website.
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