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Animal rescue charity Wadars has donated one of its old ambulances to West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, following an appeal for vehicles for firefighter training.

The donation has prompted a new appeal for funds to help fund a replacement animal ambulance.

These Wadars vehicles are a frequent sight across the area it covers, from Southwick in the east to Barnham in the west, and inland as far as Pulborough.

The charity, based in Ferring, rescues sick and injured wildlife, as well as rehoming dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small animals.

Billy Elliot, senior animal rescue officer, in the old Wadars ambulance

It was due to scrap the vehicle later this month, with more than 200,000 miles on the clock, before staff saw the fire service appeal and decided to donate it instead.

Tracy Cadman, operations manager, said: “The ambulances are vital for our rescue work and our officers responded to thousands of calls from the public about sick and injured wildlife, including foxes, badgers, birds of prey, swans, and seagulls, during the past 12 months alone, resulting in more than 2,000 animals and birds being rescued.

“We have been really fortunate in receiving a grant from Battersea towards the cost of a new ambulance but still need to raise another £5,000 to make that a reality. All donations received will help provide a new ambulance as well as keeping our wildlife rescue service going.”

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Wadars has continued to provide its emergency rescue service and is still able to take in animals for rehoming if their owners are unable to keep them.

The animal ambulance being towed away in January 2021 for use for firefighter training

Billy Elliot, senior animal rescue officer, said: “The ambulance certainly needs to be replaced, as lots of expensive things were starting to go wrong with it, but I got quite nostalgic thinking about all of the animals we’ve rescued in it and situations we’ve found ourselves in.

“With 200,000 miles on the clock and many thousands of rescues carried out, it has certainly done its job and is going to be put to really good use now, which is perfect.”

To donate to Wadars, visit www.wadars.co.uk or send a cheque to Wadars, Hangleton Lane, Ferring, West Sussex BN12 6PP.

To enquire about finding a home for your pet or adopting an animal, call 01903 247111 for an initial discussion.

Animal charity Wadars donates ambulance for firefighter training and appeals for funds for replacement