IT SEEMS like Frances Wacey has been helping out at an animal sanctuary for donkey’s years.

Now her efforts as a volunteer have been recognised by Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action.

The OVCA has given Mrs Wacey an award for working as a volunteer for over a decade at Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell near Wallingford.

For more than 10 years the 73 year old has helped raise funds for the charity, which provides a home and care for 128 donkeys that were once unwanted or abused.

The dedicated volunteer looks after the coffee shop at the sanctuary and creates gifts to sell to visitors, including knitted donkeys.

She said: “Since I was born on a farm, animals have played an important part of my life.

“I am passionate about animal welfare, and have always kept my own pets.

“I enjoy making and selling my craft items to help raise funds for the Island Farm donkeys."

Mother-of-three Mrs Wacey said she first started visiting the sanctuary following the death of her husband Les Wacey, a council worker. Mr Wacey died aged 61 in 2001.

She added: "I love coming here - there is a great camaraderie among the volunteers and I feel like it is my second home.

"If I am not at home people know they can find me at the sanctuary."

Earlier this month Mrs Wacey, who lives in Nettlebed, picked up her award at a ceremony at Oxford Town Hall.

Fellow sanctuary volunteer Flo Galliford won the same accolade in 2013.

Sanctuary administrator Stuart McLaren praised Mrs Wacey’s dedication to the donkeys.

He said: “Frances spends a lot of her time here, and she is either working in the tea room or doing a table-top sale.

“Sometimes she can be here three or four times a week – she helps to raise vital funds for the sanctuary and gives the donkeys a cuddle – they love all the affection they get.”

One of the donkeys Mrs Wacey helps to look after is Pollyanne, who has appeared on stage at the Royal Opera House in London in a production of Carmen.

Mr McLaren said the sanctuary has launched an equine hospital appeal so that sick donkeys can be cared for on site, without having to travel to see a vet.

He added: “We have launched an appeal to raise £35,000 for the equine hospital and so far we have raised £11,000.

"Sometimes the donkeys will need surgery and it is better if they can be treated in surroundings they are familiar with."

For further information visit donkeyrescue.co.uk

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