Instead of presents this year, Lola would like to ask for her school friends' help to raise money for our (and Joanna Lumley's!) favourite Farm Animal sanctuary in Evesham. We'd recommend a visit if you're in the area as the animals are relaxed and happy - and love interaction with people. This fact is staggering once you learn of their individual histories.

Established nearly 40 years ago, The Farm Animal Sanctuary was the first of its kind in this country. It provides a safe haven for neglected and abused farm animals where they can live out the rest of their lives in comfort while receiving the special care and attention they need. The sanctuary was founded by Jan Taylor, after she witnessed the reality of livestock markets around the country. Today the Sanctuary has over 600 happy residents, including sheep, cattle, pigs, ponies and horses, cats, dogs, ducks, geese, hens and cockerels, turkeys and alpacas!

The charity has been given the opportunity to buy Manor Orchard Farm before its tenancy agreement expires in December 2024. Without the purchase, the charity will be evicted meaning that many of the older animals, including a blind horse and aged blind sheep, although healthy and living a good life, would have to be euthanised for welfare reasons and on Veterinary advice. And, there is nowhere else for a mixture of over five hundred, mixed farm animals to go.

Lola has met these wonderful animals and the people who make huge sacrifices to care for them, and she really wants the animals to stay in the forever home. She would love for her schoolmates to help with this.

Thank you.