This season we are so excited to be supporting Hopefield Animal Sanctuary; an amazing grassroots animal charity based in Essex. We were lucky enough to visit them in October and see first hand the incredible work they do for over 500 sick, unwanted and mistreated animals.

Hopefield began in 1983 when husband and wife team Ernie and Paula Clark gave up their jobs and opened a small horse sanctuary. Following a devastatingly cold winter, many horses were abandoned and left with a bleak future. Over the coming years, the sanctuary moved several times and grew its intake. Hopefield is now home to many types of animals including abandoned pets, farm animals, alpacas, reindeer, as well as exotic mammals including raccoons, tanukis, marmosets, a skunk and several birds of prey.

After the passing of Ernie and Paula, who both received MBE’s for their tireless work to help animals, a dedicated group came together to secure the future of the sanctuary. However, like so many charities, they have seen a huge hit to their finances through the pandemic after being forced to close to the public.

It is only when visiting places like Hopefield that you begin to understand just how much work goes into looking after these animals, so we are delighted that they will be our partner through the Christmas season.

Thank you for helping us support them, you can read more about their inspiring work here.