An RAF veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder has told how caring for rescued farm animals helped him cope with his situation.
Wayne Eckersley created Eckson Sanctuary CIC with his partner Kenny Atkinson to help others with mental health issues.
The sanctuary is preparing to move around 150 animals from their current location in Sharnbrook, near Bedford, to Luton.
He said he was overwhelmed by the fact that around 35 volunteers were helping to clear and prepare the new site on Saturday.
The couple owns a large number of alpacas, pygmy goats, sheep, birds, rabbits, turkeys and chickens that come from other farms or from people who are no longer able to care for them.
“I have always loved animals,” said Mr Eckersley.
“Personally, I went through a very bad phase of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety and without these animals I don’t know where I would be now.
“They give and show you so much love, care and affection. We want to pass that on to others.”
Mr Eckersley said the logistical effort of transporting the animals was “massive” but he was “overwhelmed by the response, the kindness and everything we were shown”.
When the move takes place in about three months, he said more volunteers would be needed to complete “this very worthwhile work.”
He hopes to continue helping war veterans and people with special educational needs.
Although there is “chaos, confusion and fear” in people’s minds, when they are around animals “they are like other people,” he added.