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16
Mar 2023
Schoolboy aims to clean up in aid of Knaresborough rescue centre
A young Starbeck boy has been putting his passion for the environment to good use to support a cause close to his heart.
Owen Sutcliffe has been a keen litter picker for the last three years, encouraging his family to go out regularly and clear areas of Harrogate.
The nine-year-old Hookstone Chase Primary School pupil is also a supporter of exotic pet rescue centre K'Rescue Knaresborough. When he saw it was struggling to cover its rising costs, he was determined to do all he could to help.
Mum Clare told the Stray Ferret:
Owen has set himself the challenge of collecting 100 bags of litter in the next six weeks, aiming to raise £250 for the rescue centre.
Two weeks into the task, he's on track with around 30 bags collected – and his fundraising has already more than doubled his initial target, at just over £500.
He has been venturing out to areas around Harrogate nominated by friends and family as being in need of a clear-up. The worst so far was along the bridge on the A61 between Killinghall and Ripley, where Clare said the family spent three hours filling bags with litter but still "didn't make a dent" in what was there.
Even in the recent hail and snow, Owen has been out collecting bags of litter, often taking enthusiastic friends with him as he aims to raise as much as possible for the centre.
He has also got members of his school's eco club involved and the group will be picking litter around the grounds before the Easter break.
Clare added:
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K'Rescue owner Dan Holmes has said the rise in electricity and other costs is having an impact on his bills, which are currently around £1,500 a month. While he has a local vet who provides his time for free, medicines and other treatments also add up.
There has also been an influx of animals to the centre over recent months, as owners struggle to afford to look after their pets.
K'Rescue takes a donation from anyone adopting one of its animals, but Dan said the amount given each time has also been falling, as has the amount people donate when they visit the rescue centre.
Despite the challenges, Dan is proving an inspiration to Owen, who hopes to train as a vet specialising in exotic animals so that, when he opens his own rescue centre, he can treat the pets himself.
Clare said:
To support Owen's fundraising, click here.
For more information about K'Rescue, visit its Facebook page.
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