Sidmouth foal named after cancer victim

THIS little foal, born at Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary on Tuesday, July 14, has been called Brian, in memory of Brian McConnell, who worked as a donkey transport driver for the sanctuary for 16 years before dying of cancer recently, aged 40.

THIS little foal, born at Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary on Tuesday, July 14, has been called Brian, in memory of Brian McConnell, who worked as a donkey transport driver for the sanctuary for 16 years before dying of cancer recently, aged 40.

Dawn Vincent, the charity's senior press officer, said Brian was a "real character.

"He was known by everyone here and will be greatly missed," she said.

Two of his friends, runners Lesley Roberts from Sid Road, Sidmouth, and Donna Jones from Budleigh Salterton, have been raising money for Cancer Research UK by undertaking a half-marathon and Race4Life.

Brian the foal, whose mother Maible was one of four pregnant mares to arrive at the sanctuary, is doing well and will remain away from public gaze for at least six weeks.

Glen Gardiner, new arrivals manager, said: "The mother and foal have bonded really well and Brian is drinking milk from his mother perfectly fine. He seems to be getting really friendly as the days go on.