WIGHTLINK staff have received a pat on the back for helping to save the life of one of the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary’s most popular residents.

Poppy, who lives at the Wroxall sanctuary was taken seriously ill and needed immediate treatment at the Liphook Equine Hospital — a plasma transfusion to combat internal bleeding in her abdomen.

Sanctuary charity manager Derek Needham said: "I rang Wightlink immediately to book a ferry. I spoke to a gentleman called Steve to make the booking and explained the circumstances.

"His response was just outstanding. He told me to get the horsebox on the road, they would ensure she was prioritised for the 6pm ferry on Monday, and we would sort out the paperwork once we knew the horsebox was on its way from Wroxall to Fishbourne.

"He applied a heavy discount to the ticket.



"Crew members on board passed on best wishes and showed real concern."

After a swift departure at Portsmouth, Poppy reached Liphook within 30 minutes of leaving the ship and started to receive treatment within 120 minutes of leaving Wroxall .

On Facebook that evening over 20,000 people logged-in to find out how she was.

Derek said: "We assured them all that without Wightlink’s extraordinary speed, commitment, understanding and care, Poppy would not have had the opportunity to fight her illness.

"We do not know how this story will end, but we want to thank Wightlink for all of their help and consideration.

"Poppy remains very poorly but we have given her a chance of life."

A statement on the Donkey Sanctuary's Facebook page gave more details of Poppy's condition.

"The hospital have said that Poppy continues to stabilize. Her vet has confirmed that Poppy has had an internal bleed, but the signs are that this is stopping.

"The vets are cautiously optimistic however, they are reminding us all that at this stage they have not been able to find the cause of the bleed and are letting Poppy get stronger before considering doing any further investigation. 

"Poppy is eating her food and taking glucose and water. She continues to be getting the very best of care at Liphook Equine Hospital."