A £300 donation has made its way to Welsh Horse and Pony Aid (WHPA) to help its volunteers as they work tirelessly to provide food, nurturing abandoned animals back to health across the south east Wales valleys.

The small charity has been working for seven years to help and save large numbers of horses and ponies which are abandoned across the mountain and common areas of the south Wales valleys.

The donation, which comes from gas pipeline and emergency service, Wales & West Utilities, will go towards feeding the animals, many of which are facing starvation.

Sadly there is an equine crisis which is being felt across south east Wales. With people increasingly abandoning animals, I have been volunteering with the WHPA since the beginning of the year.

I am one of a small number of volunteers who work to nurture these animals back to health, which involves going out onto common land where ponies and horses are left to roam, without food or water.

I am pleased that my employer has supported my volunteer efforts, and this money will go some way to helping these sick animals.

Paisley Henderson, Volunteer at WHPA and Wales & West Utilities colleague

The charity received the £300 from Wales & West Utilities as part of its commitment to support the volunteering and charitable efforts of its colleagues.

We are committed to supporting the volunteering efforts of our colleagues and are delighted to back Paisley to nurture the health of abandoned horses and ponies in the area.

The work of the WHPA is clearly important and we hope that this donation goes some way to helping them care for the many horses and ponies that are sadly in need.

Sarah Hopkins, Wales & West Utilities People & Engagement Director

We are thrilled that Wales & West Utilities has donated this money which will go directly to help Welsh hill ponies, providing them with important vital feed. 

The WHPA is run by unpaid volunteers, who all share a great passion for the beautiful Welsh hill ponies, biodiversity and the rich Welsh heritage. Together, we are helping to save many equine lives each year and donations like this are a vital lifeline for so many horses and ponies as we continue to help improve their lives and wellbeing.

Phillip Davies. Chairman of WHPA

Wales & West Utilities look after the pipes that keep the gas flowing to heat the homes and power businesses of 7.5m people across Wales and south west England. They operate the gas emergency service, connect new homes and businesses, and upgrade the gas network so it’s safe today and fit for a green future.