Pablo’s Horse Sanctuary at Long Clawson took Cherry the pony in when it looked like there was no hope of saving her.


Cherry had been tethered to a pole at the side of the road and abandoned when she was hit by a car and left blind and brain damaged.


Carole Fielding, owner of the sanctuary, is trying to raise funds to provide Cherry with a specially padded pen to keep her safe.


Cherry has received a great deal of support from one particular lady who has taken Cherry to her heart.


Pat Kerslake, of Belton Avenue, Grantham, has dedicated herself to helping the sanctuary, and Cherry in particular, ever since reading about Carole’s work in the Journal in January 2007.


Pat said: “Cherry is the most loveable pony in the sanctuary and everybody loves her but she needs her own little place with padding.


“I have always had a soft spot for Cherry because my mum was blind and her guide dog was called Cherry so I feel that helping this horse is keeping her memory alive.”


Pat is disabled and is unable to leave her home but keeps in regular contact with Carole at the sanctuary, sending text messgaes on a daily basis to find out how Cherry and the other animals are doing.


She also arranges fund-raising events in Grantham and sends out hundreds of letters to celebrities to try and raise extra money.


Carole said: “I broke my ankle last year she rang me and said she wanted to help and ever since she has been an absolute star.


“She has fallen in love with Cherry even though she has never met her. She has been absolutely wonderful.


“We all hope one day it might be possible to bring Pat down so she can have a look around.”


Carole has spent all of her savings on the sanctuary, which is a registered charity, and has vowed never to turn away a horse in need.


She has taken in more than 50 horses and ponies and the bills for looking after the animals runs to several hundred pounds per week. She also relies heavily on a team of volunteers.


If you think you can do anything to help Carole, call: 01664 562634.




Pic - Cherry is cared for by Carole Fielding with Andrea Leavis whoworks with the blind pony almost every day. Photo: 7178K13