'We can’t fight without you': Fundraising page launched for wildlife centre hit by flooding
A fundraising page has been launched for a wildlife centre after it was hit by flooding.
Gentleshaw Wildlife Centre’s director Jenny Morgan created the page with a target of £2,500.
It comes after the centre was devastated by fire in 2019 which killed three giant tortoises, a meerkat and around 15 fruit bats.
Jenny Morgan wrote on the fundraising page: “So we had Covid, then avian influenza, now a flood!
“The persistent rain, water logged ground and changes to the local environment have caused us to become rather soggy. Currently our new feed room, foot paths and paddocks are several inches under water.
“Unfortunately, Fletcher’s garden centre, who give us our home, have suffered much worse and currently most of this family run business is under water.
"Whilst the damage to stock/materials may be covered by insurance, the cost of upgrading the drainage is not something that can be claimed for.
“Ourselves and Fletcher’s had not planned on upgrading what has always been sufficient drainage, but we now find, at a time where funds are already stretched to breaking, we need to find the money to get the work done and prevent further flooding.
“So a family run business and a family run sanctuary are asking, can you spare a couple of pounds towards us funding this essential work?
"If you’ve popped into Fletcher’s for a coffee, have a favourite animal you visit with us, or if you’ve bought the grand kids to play on the park, or you love to come and read the stories about our rescued, maybe you’ve been playing a round of crazy golf at Fletcher’s since you were little, we’d really appreciate any help.
"We are already fighting to make it through lockdown, this is a battle we can’t fight without you.”
To donate visit gofundme.com/f/78kum-flood-fund
