On St Patrick’s Day (17th March) spare a thought for Paddy who is just one of the donkeys being cared for at The Donkey Sanctuary based in Liscarroll, a charity that relies entirely on donations to carry out its work.

Paddy arrived in the Sanctuary's care last year having been rescued from a field in West Cork. He was suffering with appalling overgrown feet and an untreated injury to his hind leg, caused by a piece of ingrown wire.

Paddy Barrett, Public Relations Manager for the charity, says: "Paddy was in a terrible condition when he arrived in our care, we had our doubts as to whether or not he would make it. His hooves were horribly long and painful; they had not been trimmed for quite some time.

"Our caring staff were able to tend to his feet and his wound and we are pleased that he is making a good recovery. Paddy is making new friends in a special group for donkeys with foot problems and remains under the watchful eye of our experienced grooms and veterinary team.

"At times like these we are grateful to the supporters of our charity and send them our sincere thanks. We rely entirely on donations to carry out our work; providing refuge to donkeys like Paddy, who often have nowhere else to go, is vital part of our work."

The Liscarroll-based Donkey Sanctuary is connected to The Donkey Sanctuary in Devon which is the largest of its kind in the world.

The Donkey Sanctuary in Devon has just launched its Sanctuary from Suffering awareness campaign. During its 40th anniversary celebrations it aims to highlight the hard work that goes on overseas to give working donkeys a chance to rest and receive expert veterinary care.