The Michael Elliott Trust

This unique charity not only rescues and cares for donkeys which have been abandoned, mistreated or neglected but also provides a holiday centre where children with special needs can choose a donkey to help take care of during their visit. Invariably, child and donkey form a close relationship of trust and affection which is of great therapeutic value to them both.

Freshfields is managed by John and Annie Stirling who, in 1988, found themselves bidding for two sad, neglected donkeys at a livestock market. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, born of compassion and a determination to save these noble animals from further mistreatment - even though they had nowhere to keep them and no idea how they were going to look after them.

The Michael Elliott Trust was founded in 1991 with two complementary aims: to provide a sanctuary for donkeys rescued from abandonment, abuse or neglect and to provide a safe place where special needs children can adopt a donkey and help feed, groom and care for it during their visit.

The Trust is dedicated to Michael Elliott OBE who was a most loved and admired theatre and television director, and an outstanding producer who sadly died in 1984 at the age of 53.

John is in great demand as an after-dinner speaker where he entertains his audiences with a very humorous account of well-known celebrities, the donkeys they have adopted and the effect this has had on their lives.

Because of his background in television and theatre, it was natural for John to seek support for the Trust from his friends and colleagues in the world of entertainment.

The response has been tremendous as witnessed by the photos which adorn the walls of the barn at Freshfields. This has proven to be a rich source of stories and must be the envy of any speaker.

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