SPRING 2022
SkyDiving Fundraiser

Dear friends, followers and supporters, I hope you are all safe and well.
 
If you don’t remember me, my name is Debbie and I am the granddaughter of Sylvia Phillips who was the founder and pioneer of the Devon Horse and Pony Sanctuary. Some of you may remember me from France where I helped to run Brantome Police Horses with my Dad and Mum, Roland and Alison Phillips.

In early 2020 I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and I made a pact with myself that I would fight this chronic life debilitating illness, and with a young family in tow would try and live life to the fullest I possibly could.  Like my Grandmother I am a fighter and one of my lifetime goals has been to jump out of a plane at 10,000 feet even though I am stupidly scared of heights.
 
As a lot of you will be aware, due to my illness, along with Brexit & Covid, Brantome Police Horses has been closed down in France and all of our equines have been moved back to their ‘forever home’ in the UK at the Devon Horse & Pony Sanctuary which is situated in the beautiful Dartmoor National Park.

For my fundraising sponsorship I have chosen to not only support the Devon Horse and Pony Sanctuary but also the Multiple Sclerosis Trust. The Devon Horse & Pony Sanctuary is a charity that I have been a part of all my life. This charity takes in equines of all different sizes and backgrounds but the biggest residents are our retired Police Horses that have been on the frontline and in many peoples eyes are Heroes that deserve the best in retirement. They require daily care, feed, hay, vet bills etc…the list goes on. These horses have been a big part of my life and I have loved caring for them over the years but since my diagnosis, I have found that they are the best therapy and when life becomes tough and overwhelming they are the best remedy and just a horsey hug can make things seem a little less frightening.

 

'EAT' Equine Assisted Therapy

 

This a form of restorative and holistic healing consisting of a horse, therapist and experienced horse handler. It has shown to offer significant benefits to support mental health and emotional wellbeing when used in counselling and therapy, utilising the benefits of the human animal bond. 'EAT' can improve physical & mental health, reduce blood pressure, anxiety and stress. Positively impacts on social skills, promotes conversation and improves self esteem and confidence, Equine Assisted Therapy is very forgiving - The horse will be non-judgemental.

 

Our retired British police horses like 'Johnny' who I am pictured with are continuing to help humans but unlike their police work they are being therapeutic at our Sanctuary in the retirement setting of the Dartmoor National Park.
 

The Multiple Sclerosis trust, with no government or NHS funding has only donations to help give the 130,000 people living with MS access to more MS specialists. Your sponsorship for me will help provide this vital support across the UK.
 
If you wish to help me to help my causes please click here at my official GoFundME page and hopefully through your generosity we can make a difference.
 
Thank you and I wish every health and happiness to you and your families.
 
 
Debbie

​

​