Animal charity secures donation from Wake Smith

Wake Smith Solicitors has raised £4,611 for Thornberry Animal Sanctuary, an established rescue and rehoming centre for abandoned animals in South Yorkshire.

Employees at Wake Smith voted the charity as its nominated good cause for the last year after hearing about Thornberry's ongoing work with animals.

Fundraisers took part in a range of activities, including dress down days, Great British Bake Off-style cake sales, lunch clubs, a Christmas raffle, staff quiz night and the Sheffield 10k race.

The money raised will help go towards the charity’s latest fundraising campaign to build a brand new, £185,000, state of the art kennel block at its North Anston base.

David Asbry, vice chair of the charity’s board of trustees, said: “We are dedicated to finding secure, loving homes for as many animals as possible and providing the best care to those who remain with us, so the Wake Smith funding stream is a huge help to us.

“Since last April, we have rehomed around 200 animals, all of whom have ended up here through no fault of their own. They are now with loving, new homes.

“As an independent charity, it’s through the kindness of our supporters that we are able to do all that we do. We rely entirely on fundraising, donations from members of the public, legacies and business support for our continued survival.

“Every bit of support, whether it's volunteering, donating items, raising money, adopting animals from us or even just spreading the word about us, is very much appreciated and we would like to thank Wake Smith for their generous donation. Every penny really makes a difference to us.”

Every year Thornberry rescues hundreds of abandoned, neglected and unwanted animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, horses and other farm animals, from across South and West Yorkshire, North East Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire and beyond, and gives them a second chance.

Kate Lax, solicitor at Wake Smith and charitable board member, said: “Thornberry was chosen after a voting process involving all members of staff.

“I’d like to say a huge thanks to everyone at Wake Smith for helping to raise this money to help Thornberry take a step further to achieve its fundraising target.”

The Wake Smith Charity Board includes Kate Lax, Lorraine Slack, Bridie Mulgrew, Alison Gaddes, Abi Shortte, Hayley Naisbett, Louise Rudkin, Megan Craig, Scott Haslam, Holly Dobson and Laura Sanderson.