Staff at Ferne Animal Sanctuary in Somerset are trading their beds for kennels this month in a heartfelt fundraising challenge to support more than 300 animals through the winter.
The event, called ‘Sleeping Ruff’, will take place on Thursday 23 October within the kennels at the charity’s working sanctuary near Chard. Participants will swap soft beds and home comforts for sleeping bags and canine company, experiencing a night from the perspective of the sanctuary’s rescue dogs.
Taking part in the challenge are CEO Emma Purnell, Animal Care & Estates Manager Nikki Haddock, Fundraising Manager Emma Green, and Fundraising Administrator Abby Clark. Each team member will spend the night alongside a dog who may be struggling to adjust to kennel life or recovering from separation from their former owners.
“For many years, we’ve held a CEO challenge to kick off our winter fundraising,” said Emma Purnell, CEO of Ferne Animal Sanctuary. “This year, the team wanted to join in and spend a night in the kennels to highlight the lives we work so hard to improve. It’s a chance to give our dogs comfort and companionship while raising vital funds to keep our operations running through the colder months.”
Supporters are encouraged to donate to the challenge via: www.justgiving.com/campaign/sleepingruff.
Nikki Haddock, Animal Care Manager, added:
“When animals first arrive at Ferne, many are frightened or mistrustful due to past neglect or abuse. The fact that our dogs now feel safe enough to share their kennels with us is a reflection of how far they’ve come. Sleeping Ruff reminds us why our work matters — helping every animal take another step toward the loving homes they deserve.”
Emma Green, Fundraising Manager, explained that this year’s challenge is especially important:
“The money raised will help us prepare for winter, when costs always rise. After our annual dog show was cancelled due to bad weather and our hay supplies were affected by the hot summer, every donation will make a huge difference.”
Founded more than 85 years ago, Ferne Animal Sanctuary provides refuge, rehabilitation, and rehoming for animals in need. Located in the Blackdown Hills National Landscape, the sanctuary cares for over 300 animals across its 72-acre site, entirely through charitable support.
For more information, visit www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org.
