We will be holding our annual Memorial Day on Saturday 4th October 2008 at 10.30 am. During this day we remember those people whose names are inscribed around the Sanctuary.

Last year gave our new Chief Executive, David Cook, his first opportunity to ride in the "vicarmobile" with Reverend Peter Leverton, our local vicar, as he blessed our many memorials around the Sanctuary.

Over 450 people attended the very moving service.

There is no doubt that the hundreds of memorials around the Sanctuary, each dedicated by supporters in memory of those they have loved and lost, are visited regularly.

We recently received a lovely letter from Mr Tanner of Ammanford in Carmarthenshire.

"I would like to say how much I enjoyed the Memorial Service and I greatly appreciate the incredible amount of work carried out by the staff to make this occasion possible. I looked in at the Sanctuary on Friday 5th October on my way from Cornwall to Dorset, and I saw first-hand how hard the staff work. When I visited again on 10th October the bouquet on Mum's and Mary's donkey bench looked as fresh and lovely as it had on Memorial Day. My thanks go to everyone involved in making that wonderful, but nostalgic occasion possible."

The Sanctuary's promise that "if you remember them, we'll remember you" is so true; the legacies we receive are the lifeline of the charity. For many senior citizens it is sometimes difficult to find that bit of extra cash from our savings, particularly as none of us know what's around the corner, but it is nice to think that remembering the Sanctuary in your Will can ensure that the donkeys are looked after for many years to come. Of course times are difficult for younger people too, with families to care for and bills to pay, but all donations are gratefully received, whether large or small.

We promise that all monies received are used well.