“Without animals I don’t know where I would be,” says RAF veteran

Wayne Eckersley said he has always loved animals

ECKSON Sanctuary CIC Wayne Eckersley sits with his arm around a goat and looks directly into the camera — Wayne Eckersley said he has always loved animals

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.

Kenny Atkinson works with his partner Wayne Eckersley, with whom he has worked for six years.

ECKSON Sanctuary CIC A man in a stable with two goats — Kenny Atkinson works with his partner Wayne Eckersley, with whom he has worked for six years.

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”.