A WREXHAM woman who runs a rescue centre is heading out to a Greek island devastated by wildfire to help in the efforts to save animals.
This coming Wednesday (August 2) Kelly Roberts, who runs the Ark Angels animal rescue centre near Chester, will be heading off to Rhodes.
There has been a mass evacuation Rhodes as fire ravages the island amid soaring temperatures.
Kelly, from Bradley, said: "We've all seen the impact of the devastating fires on the island, and this has affected animal populations too. I am heading out to assist local rescues and vets with the rescue, treatment, and care of some of these poor animals caught up in the horrific fires.
"Animals, both wild and domestic have become displaced, suffered horrific burns and locals rescues are crying out for assistance."
Whilst there, Kelly will be working flat out, in what she said will be some of the most "emotionally challenging scenes" she will ever see. By day she will be working in the local rescue centres, alongside a veterinary team helping to treat animals that have already been rescued. And then, by night, she will be up in the hills, putting out feeding and watering stations, and making efforts to rescue or treat those animals that are hiding out during the day.
Kelly is appealing for donations to help the relief effort.
She said: "We need food, and lots of it. However, owing to weight restrictions on the flight food will be purchased out in Greece. We have set up a dedicated bank account which will be used solely for this purpose, and receipts will be provided where required. Bank transfers can be made to the following Monzo account enabling us to purchase food abroad."
Anyone wishing to donate can transfer money to the account, under Kelly Roberts, sort code 04-00-04 and account number 75537725
The rescue out in Greece is already in desperate need of medicines. Do you work in a vet practice and able to donate? Here's what's required:
- Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide
- Gauze
- PDO sutures
- Silver Topical Burns spray/cream
- Chlorhexidine scrub/solution
For anyone else not working in the veterinary field they can accept donations of:
- Surgical Gloves
- Aprons
- Masks (left over from Covid masks will be perfect)
- Flea/Tick treatments
- Bandages
Kelly added: "Time is of the essence. We only have until Tuesday night at 6pm to get our donations together for this trip. Donations can be left at Green Lane Vets in Saltney, or at Castle Vets, Caergwele. Alternatively please message me directly for alternative arrangements.
"Thank you to all who have kindly donated so far. Your response has been amazing, thank you."
Medical items donated to Kelly Roberts for her relief trip to Rhodes. (Image: Kelly Roberts)
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here