Dingle-based pony charity avoids closure 'but not out of woods'
The charity has won plaudits for its work, including a Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.It has been funded by fees for riding lessons and from money provided by an anonymous benefactor.That benefactor can no longer afford to provide support due to rising costs.
The grant, from the Angus Irvine Playing Fields Foundation, has allowed the charity to hire a business development manager, Faye Bedford. Ms Bedford stressed to BBC Radio Merseyside that while the funding would allow Park Palace Ponies to stay open this summer, "we're not out of the woods just yet". She added: "We've got to continue gaining support, continue with the fundraising - so I'm looking at strategies that will help with that and help Park Palace to thrive long-term."Ms Bedford said she wanted the charity to become an equestrian centre approved by the Pony Club, and to provide an equine-assisted therapy service. She said: "I can see some of the staff that have been here a long time, and they've put their heart and soul into it."It's just so nice for them to know that they've got a promising future now."
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