An animal charity said a “huge” thank you after kind-hearted supporters raised £17,000 to replace its stolen ambulance.
The Mayhew rescue charity took delivery of its new van following an appeal last August launched after thieves stole a “trusty” Suzuki Carrier vital for transporting the sick and injured animals it helps.
Mayhew boss Caroline Yates said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who kindly donated to us.
“The response we received from our amazing supporters was incredible,” she added.
The new ambulance hit the roads this week with the Trenmar Gardens based charity expecting the electric-powered van – free from congestion charges and road taxes besides being more fuel efficient – to save it money.
Mayhew’s van went missing from Templewood Avenue in Hampstead in July last year. Police said at the time it went missing between 10am and 7.30pm. The van, carrying the Mayhew logo along its side, was parked at the time whilst staff were out getting supplies.
The charity waited several weeks to see if police could find the van before calling on supporters to donate via a Just Giving page online.
The animal welfare charity, in operation since 1886, singled out the Myers family for donating a large sum towards the ambulance in memory of their pet dogs.
Ms Yates said: “We also want to say a special thank you to the wonderful Myers family who generously donated a largue sum towards our new ambulance.”
Mayhew has used ambulances since 1925. Ms Yates said being a van down had made a “big impact” on the number of animals Mayhew had been able to rescue after it went missing.
The new van joins two others which allow Mayhew welfare officers to rescue hundreds of abandoned, neglected and abused animals every year.
The charity, which also works in Afghanistan, Georgia, Russia and India, unveiled its new van at the same time as announcing its figures for the last year. In 2017 Mayhew rehomed 370 cats and 92 dogs, neutered 1,789 animals, microchipped another 948 and reunited 80 lost dogs with their relieved owners.
To donate to the Mayhew call 020 8206 5870. To adopt or for general enquiries call 020 8962 8000. Visit themayhew.org for more information.
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