A DONKEY sanctuary near Wallingford has raised enough money to start work on an equine hospital which will transform the way it cares for animals.

But it still needs to raise another £20,000 or else it will not be able to buy any of the equipment to go inside.

Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary at Brightwell-cum-Sotwell broke ground on the new structure at the end of August, and hopes to have it completed by October.

But without the money for equipment, the building will just been an empty shell.

Sanctuary founder John McLaren said “We rescue about 30 donkeys every year, most needing immediate treatment and this facility means the sanctuary vet can help us help them at a critical time.”

The sanctuary, which currently has 128 donkeys, is still fundraising to complete works on the hospital.

Administrator Stuart McLaren said one of the most important aspects of the second phase was adding a layer of protective rubber to the floor and walls.

He said: “The floor and walls have to be rubberised so when a donkey is given anaesthetic, if it falls down it won’t get hurt.”

A hoist will also need to be installed in the ceiling of one of the rooms so that donkeys can be lifted up and turned upside down if necessary.

The new building will house a holding stable and a recovery stable, a main treatment room, and a veterinary and staff hygiene area will provide facilities for essential veterinary treatment, in a warm, sterile environment.

At the moment donkeys at the sanctuary are having to be treated in a clean stable on site or taken to the vets.

Mr McLaren said the new hospital would reduce the stress of travel to and from the vets and save money.

He said: “The new hospital is going to help us because it will ultimately save us money, but the donkeys will benefit more than the staff.

“If they can stay here there will be less stress and if they’re happy, we’re happy.”

The start of the project has been tinged with sadness after the sudden passing of one of its main fundraisers, Keith Lawrence, who became unwell while on holiday at the beginning of the summer.

Mr Lawrence, who lived in Grove with wife Heather, was regularly seen at the sanctuary manning his equine hospital fundraising stall.

Chair of trustees Judy Gibbons said: “We were all very shocked and saddened. He had been instrumental in getting the project off the ground.”

To donate to the appeal, call 01491 833938 or visit donkeyrescue.org.uk