Port Lympne Reserve Welcomes New Lion Cub Litter
Despite the challenges raised by Coronavirus , the team at Port Lympne are celebrating the arrival of a new lion cub litter at the reserve . The birth , which was streamed via Port Lympne ’ s popular ‘ Cub Cam ’, saw more than 22,000 viewers witness the new arrivals being welcomed by their curious older siblings .
Second time parents , Adras and Oudrika , had previously welcomed three cubs back in May 2019 , which was the first time that lions had been born at Port Lympne in over 10 years .
Richard Barnes , animal manager , comments “ After a tough 2020 , the birth of lion cubs at Port Lympne is a wonderful start to 2021 . The whole team here at Port Lympne have been glued to Cub Cam all day . When Oudrika ’ s first litter were born , visitors were keen to catch a glimpse of the cubs . Our latest arrivals are just as adorable , and we are sorry that – due to the nationwide lockdown – we cannot invite families to the reserve to see our new family of lions just yet . We look forward to being able to welcome visitors again as soon as it is appropriate to do so .”
With both parks closed and with costs in excess of £ 300,000 a week , the foundation is continuing its appeal for donations to continue its vital work ; caring for the animals and continuing its crucial conservation and rewilding projects .
Big cat ( and other animal !) lovers can show their support via www . justgiving . com / campaign / portlympneurgentappeal or by adopting an animal shop . aspinallfoundation . org .
Quinn Estates Supports MS Therapy Centre
Heart of Kent Hospice ’ s 30th Anniversary Marked by Colyer-Fergusson Trust Grant
Heart of Kent Hospice has reason to be thankful as it enters its 30th anniversary year , thanks to a £ 500,000 donation from the Colyer- Fergusson Charitable Trust .
Kent MS Therapy Centre raised £ 2,000 in vital funds at a virtual auction . Kentbased property developer , Quinn Estates , was among the supporters who generously donated 12 bottles of fine wine to the auction .
Moira Mitchell , head of fundraising at Kent MS Therapy Centre , commented : “ The last few months have been very challenging for us , our income has fallen dramatically due to cancelling many of our bespoke community events .”
The company is also sponsoring a rescheduled charity Golf Day . “ We are delighted that Quinn Estates continues to back our small charity , which delivers services to people living with MS from across Kent and Medway . We wouldn ’ t be able to continue doing what we do without their generous donations , we are incredibly grateful .”
Mark Quinn , CEO of Quinn Estates , said : “ We were honoured to once again donate to Kent MS Therapy Centre ’ s auction . The charity provides vital support to those living with Multiple Sclerosis . We ’ re delighted to see that the virtual auction was a success and raised much-needed funds .”
The charity , which has seen a significant escalation in referrals from patients who need specialist support for terminal illness , potentially as a result of delays in diagnosis and treatment due to COVID-19 , has been quick to innovate in order to continue delivering all its services and provide its outstanding , compassionate care to an ever-growing caseload of patients for whom there is no cure for their terminal illness .
The Hospice ’ s Inpatient Unit has provided specialist medical and nursing care ; and at any one time , their Community Team , Dementia Service and Family Support and Living Well Team has been supporting over 900 patients at home through a mixture of telephone , video consultation , online sessions and home visits .
While demand has increased , the Hospice , which faced additional funding challenges with the cancellation of all traditional fundraising events and the temporary closure of all 14 of their Hospice shops , was grateful to the local community and to the Colyer-Fergusson Charitable Trust whose donation will help towards the Hospice ’ s recovery from the far-reaching effects of the pandemic as well as its continual care for patients and their families in the difficult months ahead .
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