The
Edinburgh Marathon and the Etape Caledonian Cycle May 2009
Our
congratulations to Mandi Francis who competed in two grueling
events on behalf of The Macmillan Cancer Support and CDR
last month. Her valiant efforts raised over 1300 pounds
to be shared between the two charities. We shall put the
money towards a new stable on our new land. Many thanks
Mandy, if the donkeys knew about your efforts on their behalf
they would have some kind words to say for sure. We hope
one day you will come and meet some of the little beasties
you have helped. Mandi said…………………
Well,
that is one down and one to go. Yesterday was the Etape
Caledonia, and I am now sitting on the sofa with a real
sense of disbelief that I actually managed to finish within
the set time limit of 6.5 hours – as a non-runner
I have been focusing on the marathon, and letting the cycling
slide, so I went in to yesterday with only two completely
inadequate training rides under my belt and a terrified
smile. I can honestly say that it was by far the hardest
thing I have ever done, and where were the donkeys when
I needed them? (although I definitely couldn’t have
subjected a donkey to carrying me up any of those killer
hills!

Finished the Edinburgh marathon yesterday within the time
limit. I was terribly disappointed not to have got a donkey
flown in at around mile 10 ;-) But I wouldn’t have
wished the weather yesterday onto any animal – it
was 24 degrees c, and was far too hot to be running around
Scotland.
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Who
we are, how it began, and the help that is needed
The donkey sanctuary on Corfu was started by an Englishwoman called
Judy after finding a donkey wandering in the bushes, apparently
un-owned. Judy soon found more abandoned donkeys and realised the
need for a shelter for these terribly neglected animals.
Judy, along with friends and volunteers now work hard in what are,
at times, incredibly difficult and distressing circumstances, to
help these wonderful animals who sadly, often suffer the most appalling
neglect. Lack of money and resources compound the problems but despite
this Judy has worked relentlessly to gain support, charity status
and recognition by the Greek Government and in 2006 received status
as a Greek registered charity. The charity is now known as Corfu
Donkey Rescue or CDR. Over the last 5 years CDR has taken in just
over 200 donkeys, a mule and several desperately neglected ponies.
Amongst
the ordinary day to day problems of running and financing a shelter,
with never fewer than 40 donkeys at any one time, Judy has had problems
with the legality of the shelter and has received continuous, daily
hostility from neighbours.
However, local and international support has spurred her on and
she has never given up hope of one day having a new permanent and
legal shelter. This day is not so far away although there are still
huge obstacles to overcome now the land is purchased.
Contrary to local Greek opinion, CDR receives no governmental financial
help either locally, nationally or from the EU. The shelter is supported
through donations over the internet but the main income is from
visiting tourists in the short summer season.
Keep up to date by reading the monthly
blog. Found on the top of the Home Page.
If you would like to 'adopt' one of the rescued donkeys, then please
visit the
'Adopt a donkey' page for details. Click
here>>
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PLEASE
NOTE
that due to our signs being continually removed by our neighbours
please print off our
How To Find Us
page where you will find details and a map of our location.
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The newly added
veranda

Rear stables
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