Billie Busstop is a small brown pony with a glorious shock of mane and forelock who came to live at the Sanctuary after our friendly vet, Dr John, rescued him from a bus stop in the rain.

Billie looked so forlorn and had some scratches and scrapes and Dr John believed the best place for him was with us. And Billie has thrived. He’s now a healthy, happy pony who loves attention, especially from children.

So it was with delight that we noticed the instant bond that developed between Billie and four-year-old lymphoma fighter Chadwin when Chadwin paid us a visit with the Reach for a Dream Foundation.

Chadwin loves horses and donkeys and was taken on a tour of the Sanctuary to meet our residents. But it was when he met Billie that he truly fell in love.

Sanctuary manager Penny encouraged Chadwin to go for a short ride on Billie before giving him a good brush and groom too. It was a thrilling moment for the brave little boy and Billie was on his best behaviour, as though he knew he was carrying very special cargo.

EARS then offered Billie to Chadwin as his ‘adopted’ pony, meaning he received a printed adoption certificate and can visit Billie whenever he wants to.

That’s the beauty of our Sanctuary; it’s not only a place of rescue and rehabilitation but of healing too. Get well soon, Chadwin and thank you for visiting us.