A MAN from Solihull is gearing up for his next fundraising challenge, all in memory of his beloved dog Alma and to raise cash for Wythall Animal Sanctuary.
Nigel Patterson, who lives in Monkspath, is driving through Europe alongside his friend John Arthur in two old Peugeots.
When Alma died, Nigel went to the sanctuary to donate her bedding and food.
He got chatting to the staff and asked how the sanctuary operated. He said he was shocked to find out it survived only on donations.
To channel his grief, he decided to redo the fundraising challenge he did for a children cancer ward in Birmingham in 2010.
He said: “Our beloved dog Alma was nearly two years old when we rescued her and she had such a bad start in life, but we had 13 fantastic years together and she travelled all over Europe with us.
“She filled three doggy passports and they were just the happiest of times.
“We loved her very much and she us.”
Wythall Animal Sanctuary is a non destruct Sanctuary and has been helping rescue and rehabilitate animals since 1968.
It helps animals which need it most by giving them a second chance at a forever home or – where this is not possible due to behavioural or medical reasons – the Sanctuary becomes their forever home.
Nigel is hoping to raise £5,000 so the sanctuary can create a specialised quiet area for the dogs which are more sensitive and get easily overwhelmed and stressed with the comings and goings of daily life
Nigel added: “By creating these quiet spaces we can give the sensitive souls of the sanctuary a relaxing haven for them to enjoy the peaceful life they so deserve.
“We want to help so other animals don’t have to suffer like she did, give the residents tranquility and help to find the rescue animals good and loving homes.”
The Regency Hotel in Solihull has donated £400 to get the fund started and so far it sits at £1,650.
Nigel and John set off on September 10 and are driving through France, Germany, Holland and Belgium in the next two weeks.
At the end of the drive, Nigel, alongside his wife, will be scattering Alma’s ashes in a place special to the family in Germany.
Nigel said: “There is no grief like losing a pet. She was such a special girl, and I am glad we can do this for her and her memory can live on.”
Click here to donate to Nigel’s page.
