Peter Wright, one of the stars of Channel 5’s The Yorkshire Vet, added some festive cheer to The Donkey Sanctuary’s annual Carol by Candlelight service last week.
The veterinary surgeon, who is an ambassador of the charity, wore a specially made Christmas jumper featuring two of the sanctuary’s adoption donkeys, Maverick and Peanut, at the event last Friday (5 December).
More than 200 people attended the service which took place in the Donkey Assisted Activities centre at the charity’s Sidmouth Sanctuary. Many of the walkways were lined with non-flame candles to add a touch of festive sparkle.
The service was hosted by celebrant and former BBC Radio Bristol presenter, Emma Britton, and featured several festive tunes such as Away in a Manger, O Little Town of Bethlehem, and of course – Little Donkey.
‘A very special time’
“I’m very proud to be the ambassador for The Donkey Sanctuary, and it was lovely to have the opportunity to spend some time with some of the resident donkeys today and be part of the Carols by Candlelight service,” said Peter.
“For as long as I can remember Christmas and donkeys have always gone together, and for me that makes this time of year a very special time here at the sanctuary.”
Bespoke song
During the service, Peter spoke of some of the experiences he has had during his six years with The Donkey Sanctuary.
The charity’s restaurant, The Kitchen, was open so visitors could enjoy a drink and a bite to eat and watch the concert on screens inside. The event was also live-streamed.
The evening concluded with a very unique version of The Twelve Days of Christmas, where the traditional lines were replaced by ones much more fitting to the resident donkeys, such as Five Gold Rings becoming Five Bales of Hay.
The Donkey Sanctuary was founded in 1969 by Dr Elisabeth Svendsen who was appalled by the state of the donkeys she saw at a market in Exeter. She started buying the donkeys who were in the worst condition and The Donkey Sanctuary was registered as a charity in 1973. Since then the charity has transformed the lives of millions of donkeys around the world.
To watch back the Carols by Candlelight event, click here.
