Cowell rides to the rescue of horse sanctuary
28-12-2009 KentNews, UK
X Factor's Mr Nasty has come to the rescue of sick and abused horses at a refuge under threat of being shut down. Music mogul Simon Cowell heard about the possible closure of The Horse Refuge, near Tenterden, and – completely out of the blue - contacted owners Sara and Alan Ross to offer his help.
He aims to raise £600,000 through his campaign to help horse experts Mr and Mrs Ross continue to run their refuge from Dobells Farm, in Wittersham.
The couple recently received devastating news that the farm was being sold and unless they could raise the funds to buy it, they would be evicted.
Mrs Ross told Kent on Sunday that if that happens, many of the 40 horses they look after – who are too old or sick to travel - would die.
But animal-lover Cowell has stepped in to help the couple.
Mrs Ross said: “I received a call two weeks ago from his secretary saying he wanted me to come in and see him.
“It was completely unexpected. He told me that he wants to raise awareness and help save the sanctuary.
“He said he was proud of our wonderful work and wants to make sure it continues.
“He has thrown us a lifeline – we have a chance now.”
Mrs Ross described Cowell as a wonderful man, which is at odds to his Mr Nasty persona on hit ITV show The X Factor.
She said: “He was absolutely lovely – really kind and warm. He has a real passion for animals.”
Music executive Cowell – who studied at Dover College – is pushing for people to recognise the plight of The Horse Refuge and give generously over Christmas.
It is reported that he himself has made a big donation, although the amount has not been revealed.
Mr and Mrs Ross have until January to raise the £600,000 needed to cement the future of the sanctuary – which is home to Duke, Europe’s tallest horse, standing in at 6ft 6in.
“We look after lots of horses with special needs and horses that are unwanted,” she said.
“It’s a lot worse now with the credit crunch and people can’t afford to keep them.
“The campaign is still new really, but hopefully we won’t have to leave.”
Mrs Ross launched the refuge in 1995 with the sole purpose of ending the suffering of sick and unwanted horses.
Some are re-homed, but others who are too old, sick or abused to leave live permanently at the sanctuary.
The refuge has a number of patrons including British actress Jenny Seagrove and Minder star Gary Webster.
Mrs Ross is also hoping to make Cowell a patron.
For information on how to donate go to http://www.thehorserefuge.org/.
(Bron: http://www.kentnews.co.uk/)
(Bron foto: http://thefastertimes.com/fameculture/2009/10/07/simon-cowells-next-big-deal/)
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