Wiganers urged to vote for local charity

Carrie Byrom shows The Princess Royal around the Parbod stables during a recent visit

Wiganers are being urged to vote for a local charity which has been nominated as one of the finalists for the 2020 Soldering on Awards Animal Partnership prize.

Stable Lives, based at Parbold, uses horses and land-based activities to help those living with post-traumatic stress disorder: particularly from the military or blue light professionals and their families.

They are now asking people to back them in the national awards which recognise the outstanding achievements of those who have served their country and the diverse people and groups who work together in support of the armed forces community.

The award celebrates the unique companionship and relationships provided by animals, and how they can support and empower members of the Armed Forces.

The inspirational charity, which earlier this year was visited by Princess Anne, was born out of the personal experience of founder Carrie Byrom and is set in the picturesque surroundings of Parbold Equestrian Centre on Bradshaw Lane.

The rural location provides a tranquil haven for veterans and their families to mentally rest, relax, and reconnect with society and family life.

Through supporting a military family in crisis, the team put together respite days and equine-assisted personal development courses that could support other families, either in similar situations or- ideally- as an early intervention.

As well as supporting people needing help, the charity saves and rehabilitates numerous horses in distress.

Encouraging veterans to help in this process is proving to be incredibly rewarding for all involved - as the effects of linking people suffering from mental health issues with neglected horses is highly emotive.

The non-profit organisation has already been a major success, in 2018 respite days and resilience courses helped over 300 children, and more than 50 families benefitted from family days, courses and support.

The charity would love to win the special gong - not for the prestige or money - but to spread the important word of the work that they are doing.

Carrie said: “Voting is now open, and it closes on Wednesday. Please follow the link and consider voting for Stable Lives. All of the finalists are amazing, but we would be so proud to pick up this award. Winning would enable us to tell the country about our incredible rescue horses and project.

“The North West region has the highest number of veterans outside the South of England and it would be great to see the North recognised.

“This is not about money or prestige.

“It’s about a bunch of misfit horses and ponies that have been physically or mentally abused who are now quietly spending time saving and rebuilding human lives. It’s truly about celebrating what these amazing animals do in helping improve confidence, self-esteem and self-worth.

“It’s a really prestigious award and we’re really chuffed to be nominated. It’s a massive honour, we do our work really quietly here and the horses that we work with are saving lives every day, and I think to be nominated for a national award, and recognised in a national way, is brilliant for us.

“It would be great to bring the award back to Wigan and the Parbold Equestrian Centre on April 24.

“It is hard-work to access the funding, and run our sessions but we are passionate, and if someone contacts us needing help, we will do everything we can to help them. Our services are completely free, so individuals do not have to worry about not being able to afford anything. We want to change and improve the lives of as many people as we can, as it is what we are all about.”

The winners will ne decided through a public vote that closes at midnight on Wednesday.

If you would like to vote for Stable Lives, visit: http://www.soldieringon.org/2020-award-votingwww.soldieringon.org/2020-award-voting