21 October 2019

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

East Grinstead Lions Club President and RDA volunteer Ron Millen presented Sally O’Neill with a cheque for £500, part of the proceeds from the Club’s July donkey derby.  Sally organises pony club jockeys to ride the racing donkeys and a number of the RDA volunteers come along and support by leading donkeys for child pony rides.

Taking centre stage in the photo is miniature donkey Wade who at 7 months old joins the stable to try to help nervous children overcome their concerns by stroking, petting and brushing him.

Wade has been purchased by the East Grinstead and District Lions Club in remembrance of their Club colleague and Thursday RDA volunteer Rob Holwell, who sadly collapsed and died from a heart attack just 2 days after what turned out to be his last session at East Park in March of 2017.  Rob’s Lions Club colleagues had voted unanimously to pledge £3,000 to buy a pony in remembrance of their friend.

However, a pony of the right temperament has proved difficult to find and in March Sally floated the idea of buying a miniature donkey.  Wade was born and bred in Wales, as was Rob, and since arriving at East Park has been getting up to mischief by jumping over stable doors and eating Sally’s shrubs and flowers and generally making everyone laugh and smile.  Anyone who knew Rob would know how appropriate this is as he had a wonderful sense of humour and did not take life too seriously.  Donkeys are very long lived and Wade will be around for many years to come – provided that is he doesn’t eat too many more of Sally’s shrubs!!

After Wade’s purchase, and in light of the sad loss of RDA pony Spice, the Lions Club have topped their pledge back up to £3000 so that East Park can continue to search for a replacement pony.