Mrs Turton first met Charlie ten years ago during a visit to the centre and was especially taken with his cheeky and sociable personality. She adopted Charlie so that she could hear more stories of what he and his friends got up to at the centre which provides donkey assisted therapy for children with additional needs.

Even though Charlie has now retired from the charity’s Adopt A Donkey scheme, Maud’s son Andre brings her to the centre every fortnight to spend time with Charlie. With her birthday taking place on 9th May, Charlie and the staff at the centre were delighted to welcome her for a special visit and extra cup of tea.

After a busy career owning a variety of retail shops in the Birmingham area Maud retired and loves her fortnightly visits to The Donkey Sanctuary, saying: “I always look forward to coming to see my Charlie and never arrive empty handed”. She credits her long life to “Leading an active lifestyle, working hard, healthy eating and the odd tipple of sherry!”

The Donkey Sanctuary Birmingham is open seven days a week from 10am- 3pm. It holds events and open days throughout the year and all proceeds go towards The Donkey Sanctuary’s work in the community and worldwide.