An animal rescue centre which faced a bleak Christmas has had a prosperous start to the New Year thanks to generous readers of the Beccles and Bungay Journal.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Some of the donkeys at Blossoms Rescue Centre in Kirby Cane.Some of the donkeys at Blossoms Rescue Centre in Kirby Cane. (Image: ©archant2015)

Since we reported how Blossoms Rescue Centre was at financial crisis point, founder Sara Higgins has been overwhelmed with support by the community.

The centre, which rents fields from Kirby Cane to Hedenham, was thousands of pounds in debt and at risk of closure before Christmas, but has been sent almost £8,740 in donations as well as feed, hay, letters and cards of encouragement, along with offers of practical help.

“People have been so amazing,” said Mrs Higgins, of Grove Road in Beccles. “It feels like we’ve got all these people behind us. It’s phenomenal to know how many people are with us.

“I’ve had envelopes containing sums from £5 to £1,000, people are offering to volunteer, it’s just been incredible and I can’t thank people enough.

“I just can’t believe it, I went to the bank the other day and I had 63 cheques to pay in. It’s so cheering, it feels like the whole community has been supporting us.”

The donations mean Mrs Higgins has been able to pay off most of the centre’s debts and stock up on food for the animals.

“I didn’t know what we were going to do,” she said. “But now I know we’ve got until at least the middle of May which is just amazing. In the summer we don’t have so many costs but I hope we can keep it going in some way, we can’t afford to end up in the same position again.

“We need to come up with some fundraising ideas, and if anyone has any suggestions we would love to hear them. We can’t help every single animal, but we can make the world of difference to a few, and that’s enough reason to keep fighting to do it.

“I just can’t thank everyone enough for their donations and their support, it means the world to Blossoms.”

To donate to the cause, send a cheque payable to Blossoms Rescue to 5 Napier Terrace, Grove Road, Beccles, Suffolk, NR34 9RF.

Alternatively, put cash donations in a sealed envelope marked ‘Blossoms Rescue’ and bring them to The Journal office at 20 Blyburgate, Beccles, or donate online via www.blossomsrescue.co.uk