Radio star Gemma Atkinson supports Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary’s Shoebox Appeal

Gemma Atkinson at Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary

Gemma Atkinson, a presenter on Hits Radio, has lent her support to Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary’s Shoebox Appeal, aiming to ensure that every animal at the Edenfield-based sanctuary receives a present this Christmas.

Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary is home to over 200 animals, including donkeys, horses, goats, sheep, and pigs that reside on its expansive 55-acre site.

The sanctuary also cares for dogs, cats, and small animals, many of whom are available for rehoming.

Each year, the sanctuary appeals to the public to create shoeboxes filled with their favourite foods for the animals. These can be tailored for dogs, cats, farm animals, or stable animals.

The shoeboxes, filled with treats and gifts, can be dropped off directly at Bleakholt.

Gemma, who serves as the sanctuary’s president, emphasised the importance of the appeal.She said: “I love the Shoebox Appeal. It means every year our animals get spoilt at Christmas, and it’s such a simple thing to do.

"We usually video our animals receiving them on Christmas Day so you can see how much it means to them!”

She also highlighted the need to ensure all animals benefit equally, noting that farm and stable animals often receive fewer shoeboxes. “The stables and farm animals don’t tend to get as many shoeboxes, so people can also donate £5 so we can buy their favourite treats on Christmas Day,” she said.

Donations can be made via the sanctuary’s official page: https://bleakholt.enthuse.com/Christmas-Dinner.