Hartlepool volunteer's heartfelt plea for money to treat Moroccan street dog and help her find new home

Hartlepool-born Sarah Gate now lives and works in Morocco with the Four Legged Orphan Sanctuary after falling in love with the organisation’s work.

The sanctuary has four dogs ready for adoption and five who will live there for life – but Sarah’s kind heart has led her to Winnie, a street dog with a deadly disease who needs medical treatment and round-the-clock care.

The 31-year-old, who attended Manor Academy, is on a quest to raise £1,500 to cover the cost of getting Winnie into boarding and pay for her medical help.

“I spoke to a vet, who said she has leishmaniasis, a deadly disease that causes kidney failure. I can't leave her,” Sarah said.

“The treatment is going to be a fortune and she will need life-long care. Even just to get her a home will be difficult, as this illness is a big responsibility to take on.”

Sarah, who previously acted as an aid worker on the Syrian border, added: “We can't help everyone, but if each of us can do as much as we can do, the world would be a much better place.”

More than 20 people have donated to the appeal so far, raising almost £700 in support of Winnie.

To find out more and make your own donation, visit the Go Fund Me page here.