March volunteer of the month - Bronwen Bayliss, Tregaron
Inspired by her Welsh mining roots, Bronwen has been fundraising for Brooke to create a better life for equines working in the coal mines of Asia. To date, she has raised an amazing £1,544 and has plans to promote the charity with a new Brooke-branded wagon when restrictions around the country are lifted soon.
Bronwen decided to start fundraising for Brooke after she read an article in the British Horse Society magazine. She said: “My origins are in South Wales, from a family of coal mine workers, so I understand the life of work underground and the toll it takes on both humans and equines. One of my fondest memories from my childhood was being taken to the pit head to see the pit ponies when they were brought top side, their joy was palpable.”
During lockdown, Bronwen has been keeping herself busy by collecting and sharing recipes to create wipe away cooking cards and a cook book with the help of friends. As well as this, she’s focused on creating a Brooke-branded wagon to take to shows when restrictions lift. The idea first came to her after a visit to the Carriage Museum in Alberta, Canada whilst on holiday a few years ago.
I was just so taken back by the beauty of the carriages in the museum and I thought how wonderful it would be to have a Brooke branded wagon to take to shows promoting a charity so close to my heart. Unfortunately due to Covid-19 we have been unable to take the wagon on the road but hopefully with restrictions starting to ease across the country we will be able to take her out for a spin in the coming months.
Bronwen is part of a large network of volunteers fundraising for Brooke around the UK. Money raised from volunteers goes towards Brooke’s work across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America, making lasting improvements to the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules and the people who depend on them.
If you’re interested in volunteering, joining a group or forming your own group please email [email protected].