Wilson and Willis bring comfort and connection

Wilson and Willis were rehomed with Donkey Guardian Lee-Ann Rainsbury at her farm in Devon, which is home to Little Hero – a charity she founded in memory of her son Will.

The charity offers respite stays for families affected by childhood cancer, giving them a chance to reconnect with nature and each other in a peaceful, healing environment.

When Lee-Ann was looking for more animals to join her farm that children could safely interact with, donkeys felt like the perfect fit.

A thoughtful journey to Guardianship

Lee-Ann began the process of becoming a Donkey Guardian through our Rehoming Scheme. It was a journey that required time, care and commitment – but one she found incredibly worthwhile.

“It’s a very thorough process,” she says. “We spent quite a bit making sure the donkeys had a suitable home on our farm. The process, while very long, is excellent as you learn a great deal and know what you are going into.”

After nearly a year of preparation, Lee-Ann was matched with Wilson and Willis, two donkeys who turned out to be the perfect pair.

“The Donkey Sanctuary was amazing,” Lee-Ann recalls. “They waited until the right donkeys were looking for a home. They couldn’t be more perfect!”

Settling in and stealing hearts

The donkeys settled into their new home with ease, thanks to Lee-Ann’s careful planning and support from The Donkey Sanctuary.

“It was brilliant,” she says. “After almost a year in the process to get approval, we were very prepared. Wilson and Willis were very laid back and settled very quickly. If we had any questions, Sophie, our Donkey Sanctuary contact, was so helpful.”

Wilson and Willis quickly became part of the family and firm favourites among visiting children.

“They are like two little men!” Lee-Ann says. “Wilson is the boss! He loves munching apples from our trees and interacting with visitors. Willis is the quieter of the two and follows Wilson like a puppy. They are inseparable. I love waking up to them calling for breakfast; they make me smile.”

Committing to care

Being a Donkey Guardian is about committing to the daily care that keeps donkeys happy and healthy. For Lee-Ann, that responsibility is something she embraces wholeheartedly.

She adds: “It’s a lot of work, but all very rewarding. I feed them fresh barley straw twice a day and muck out their stables. Every week they get feet picked and a thorough groom.”

These routines have become part of Lee-Ann’s life, and with them has come a wealth of new knowledge. Wilson and Willis have also played a vital role in Lee-Ann’s personal journey.

Lee-Ann shares: “My little boy Will passed away aged six following a nine-month battle with a brain tumour. Since then, caring for animals, especially the donkeys, has become a source of strength.

“I find interacting with people and life in general incredibly difficult following our journey,” Lee-Ann says. “My animals, particularly the donkeys, are very important to me. The happiest parts of my day are cleaning the stables and interacting with them.

“Some days, particularly in the winter, it’s hard to keep going emotionally, but knowing I have to get up and keep going, looking after them, helps.”

A role in recovery

Wilson and Willis play an essential part in the healing process for families who visit Lee-Ann’s woodland retreat.

“The donkeys play a huge role,” Lee-Ann explains. “The children who come and stay spend weeks and months isolated in hospital. It’s an incredibly traumatic journey for the whole family, and coming to the woodland, being in nature and being with the animals is incredibly healing.”

And the donkeys continue to shape Lee-Ann’s perspective and purpose.

“It’s very easy to take things for granted and forget how special the woodland and donkeys are,” she reflects. “But when you see the pictures of the families’ stay and how happy the children are just being children, you are very quickly reminded how important it is and just how much difference it makes.”

Lee-Ann hopes her story will inspire others to see the value of animals in emotional recovery and connection. “I’d love people to learn about the happiness and healing animals like Willis and Wilson can provide to people.”

You can read Lee-Ann’s full story here: littlehero.org.uk