Member Article

New business support for Sheffield animal charity

Thornberry Animal Sanctuary, an established rescue and rehoming centre for abandoned animals, has been given additional funding support from Wake Smith Solicitors.

After hearing about Thornberry’s ongoing work to rescue and rehome more than 400 animals a year, employees at the 200-year-old law firm voted the Sheffield charity as its nominated good cause for the next year.

The firm’s charitable board is now working to drive fundraising and organise numerous events throughout the calendar and first job was to visit the centre, meeting lurcher Lucas who has been at Thornberry for more than two years and is waiting for his new forever home.

Annette Rigg, animal carer at Thornberry, which is based in North Anston, said: “Every year we rescue 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 give them a second chance.

“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 will be a massive help to us.

“As an independent charity, it’s thanks to 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 are looking forward to working with Wake Smith for the coming year. Every penny really makes a difference to us.”

Kate Lax, solicitor at Wake Smith and charitable board member, said: “The charity was picked after a voting process involving all staff.

“We have the next year to raise funds through a variety of events and are looking forward to working with the small team at Thornberry. It relies solely on donations and fundraising to continue. Each month, the vet bills alone can reach up to £9,000.”

The Wake Smith charitable board includes Kate Lax, Lorraine Slack, Lisa Wilson, Bridie Mulgrew, Alison Gaddes, Abi Shortte, Bobby Griffin-Pygott, Hayley Naisbett and Holly Dobson.

Last year the firm raised £7,840 for Rotherham General Hospital’s Special Baby Care Unit after holding fundraising events ranging from quizzes, raffles, cake sales, sweepstakes, monthly dress down days, social events and lunches, plus a successful office-based tuck shop for hungry employees.

For more information about Wake Smith Solicitors visit www.wake-smith.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Agent Public Relations .