Simon's Day Out
By Ali Cogger, East Leeds Magazine

Donkeys... Happy childhood memories, party games, the seaside, ice cream, sandcastles and donkey rides. Marvellous. But on the darker side, these animals are often subjected to ridicule, and worse, subjected to cruelty. But did you know donkeys can be therapeutic?

We caught up with Simon, a 23 year old grey donkey who lives at the Elisabeth Svendsen Donkey Trust in Eccup. He'd made the short journey to these parts to visit the senior citizens at Willow Bank Nursing Home on Barwick Road, accompanied by Cathryn Williams, the Principal of the Leeds Trust who explained whilst Simon socialised:

"Our centres each have a team of donkeys and staff who travel around the local area to provide therapy visits to schools hospices, residential care and nursing homes.”

As we spoke, Simon tiptoed around the room giving gentle, affectionate nudges to everyone before he raised his ears, dropped his head and nuzzled into Audrey: "It's strange, but when he's on these visits there's a really loving side to Simon which just seems to come out.”

And he seems to have won over Willow Bank as they’ve decided to adopt him, which will mean they’ll receive updates and photographs and will always know what he’s been up to. Simon circulated in his sleepy mellow way before settling down with Fred and Joan, a married couple for 60 years.

Cathryn told us a little more about the centre: "Simon is one of four donkeys who do this rewarding outreach work. Altogether there are 20 donkeys. Some of the donkeys are retired, the others are busy with various therapy sessions. The centre welcomes over 178 children every week, catering for a wide range of disabilities and educational needs. Every week we hold therapy sessions which help improve everything from balance, mobilty, as well as bringing pleasure."

And with a toss of the head and a gentle nudge, he was on his way back to the trust. His peaceful and affectionate nature left us with a feeling of calm, we can’t wait to meet him again in the near future.

 

EST Leeds
The Donkey Centre
Swan Lane, Eccup
Leeds LS16 8AZ

0113 261 9249
www.elisabethsvendsentrust.org.uk

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