Help keep Portsmouth Tortoise Rescue Group open

Co-organized

Sarah Prideaux and Bernice Buckingham are organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

UPDATE: Thank you all SO much for your generous donations thus far! You have no idea how much this means to the rescue. Whilst we had to concede defeat and let the council complete the work they insisted upon, Bernice was able to negotiate payment terms with them to ease the pressure a little.

However, we have been (and are still going) through one of the toughest winters we have faced. We have more tortoises in, looking for homes than ever before. Where in previous years, Bernice has been able to shut down one or both of the sheds during hibernation season, not this year. And the stormy weather that we’ve had recently has resulted in damage to these sheds and left fence panels in need of replacing. Quite simply, we’re drowning.

So it is with trepidation that we renew our plea… this fundraiser is still live. If you can spare even just a few pounds it really will make the world of difference. Reaching our target would not only allow us to get back on an even keel, but ahead of ourselves, so that we can continue to provide the best possible care for the tortoises.

A big THANK YOU in advance x x x

My name is Sarah, and I am a volunteer at Portsmouth Tortoise Recuse Group.

It breaks my heart to have to do this, but our award-winning rescue is being threatened with closure should we not comply with the council's demand that £1754.48 worth of electrical upgrades be carried out for us to remain on the premises.

Portsmouth Tortoise Rescue Group is run solely by volunteers - our income comes purely from fundraising, and donations from the general public, we receive no funding.

We are getting a second opinion on this, and will work with the council to find the best solution, hopefully some sort of payment plan will be an option.

The electrics to which this refers, keeps our sheds up and running for all of the tortoises that are brought in to us - surrendered, injured, boarders. Research has shown that the “old ways” of just leaving them in the garden is not acceptable - tortoises need heat lamps, and safe, heated housing.

Bernice and her family will not personally benefit from this work, but they may be faced with eviction from their home, if it’s not agreed to.

Every penny raised will go towards keeping the rescue open for you all - anything you can spare would be very much appreciated. And even if you can't afford to help us out this time (we know times are hard for everyone), please share this fundraising page on your socials, help get the message out there! We really do need all the help we can get!

Thank you in advance x

Just some of the tortoises we have helped...