Rosie the Donkey Challenge

This Spring Luis is undertaking three tough sporting challenges to raise £1000 to provide care for Rosie the Donkey. Every donation counts. Please press the link at the bottom of the page to donate.

Rosie is now living in El Paraiso del Burro - The Donkey Paradise in Asturias, Northern Spain. After being worked very hard and neglected for most of her life, her owners were planning to have her euthanized as they no longer had a use for her.

Her front hooves had overgrown and she could not walk. She was in poor general health and subdued. After hearing about her plight, Marleen from the donkey paradise rescued her and began the long journey to help Rosie regain her health and to enjoy her 'retirement' years. We think Rosie is about 25 years old.

Rosie lives with 23 other old and retired donkeys some of which have been abused and over-worked. Each donkey costs about £500 per year to care for. This covers feed, healthcare and stabling.



Marleen and her team of volunteers work tirelessly to care for, feed, and rehabilitate these delightful animals to give them a comfortable and pain-free life in their autumn years. Many need regular veterinary care and all need regular hoof care from a local farrier . The volunteers need housing and feeding and the land, 8 hectares of pasture and woodland, needs regular maintenance to keep the donkeys safe.

Luis has challenged himself to three tough sporting events to help raise much needed funding for Rosie's care. 

The Donkey Work Challenges 2015 are:

1. A 100 km cycle ride to Lake Ercina in the Picos de Europa mountains. For a fit cyclist this sounds relatively easy but the route includes a 12 km non-stop ascent of just under 1100 meters to reach the lake. Setting off from home in Toriello, I will cycle to Covodonga (approx 38 Km) where the 12km ascent begins. Once at the top, I will make my way back down and eventually return home to Toriello. This year I will be accompanied by my younger brother Ruben. The ascent to the lakes will take place in late March or Early April depending on the snow. A firm date will be announced.

2. A 50 km hike organised by www.diezmildelsoplao.com The start and finish will be Cabazon de la Sal in Cantabria. This mountainous route will incur a total ascent of 1,692 meters and a descent of 1,840 meters. A tough day's walking even for the most experienced hiker. This event will take place on 23^rd May 2015. Further details can be found here: http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=vmhgmnvqsqizknfh

3. A 160 km cycle ride in a day along the famous Canal of Castille. This prestigious annual event attracts dedicated cyclists from all over Spain. With over 500 participants, this linear ride takes some organisation including the transportation of both bikes and competitors' luggage. The Challenge Canal de Castilla is a non-competitive mountain bike ride along the Canal de Castilla in one day, from its birth in Alar del Rey (Palencia) to its end in Medina de Rioseco (Valladolid). The event will take place on 6^th June 2015. More information can be found here: http://www.desafiocanaldecastilla.com/p/itinerario-2015.html

Information about these challenges and updates can also be found on a dedicated facebook page:  

Luis' Caring for Rosie Challenge 2015

We are now seeking sponsorship for Luis to help motivate him and keep him focused as he faces these challenging sporting events. It would be great if you could donate some money to help us reach our goal of £1000 - enough to provide basic care for Rosie for the next two years.

If you wish to give an off-line donation please contact Ian or Luis directly and it will be added to the total amount donated as an off-line donation. Please sign up for updates as we will publish more about Rosie and her life and updates on Luis' training programme and events over the next 4 months.
Thank you in anticipation.

Luis and Ian x

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