April Birthdays at Remus Horse Sanctuary

April is a special month here at Remus, as we celebrate three much-loved residents and reflect on the journeys that brought them to safety.

Happy 34th Birthday, April!

April arrived at Remus with her mum Damson and cousin Mopsey, and remarkably, the three have spent their entire lives together. Now in their 30s, with Damson in her 40s, they are a truly special family group and a lovely example of the deep bonds these animals form.

Their previous owner clearly cared for them, but as both she and the ponies grew older, it became harder to meet their needs. Determined not to see them separated, she made the decision to ask Remus for help.

It’s never easy for animals to leave the only home they’ve known, and they were understandably nervous at first. But with time, patience and kindness, they settled in beautifully. Today, they are relaxed, content and enjoying life exactly as they should.

If you’d like to sponsor April or send her a birthday treat, you can do so via our website.

Happy 30th Birthday, Clyde!

Clyde’s story is a very different one, and a reminder of why our work is so important.

Before coming to Remus, Clyde had been raced in Ireland and was later brought to the UK by a dealer when he was no longer considered useful. By the time we became aware of him, he had already suffered terribly. He bore scars on his legs, likely caused by chemicals, and had been subjected to long periods of stress and rough handling.

Sadly, his next home offered no relief. He was often left without food or water for days at a time, and when his owners did return, he was ridden excessively despite his deteriorating condition. Over time, he became dangerously underweight, with painful saddle sores along his back that became infected.

We worked hard to try and improve his situation, but eventually it became clear that the only way to help Clyde was to bring him into our care.

Today, Clyde’s life could not be more different. He is safe, well cared for, and spends his days with his best friend Dolly. Seeing him now, it’s hard to imagine the suffering he once endured.

If you’d like to send Clyde a birthday treat, please visit the animal treats section of our shop.

Happy 19th Birthday, Horatio!

Horatio’s early life was deeply distressing. Born into a travelling community, he was taken away from his mother far too young and kept in isolation in a dark shed for two weeks. We don’t know exactly what happened during that time, but the impact on him was clear.

When Horatio arrived at Remus, he was frightened and defensive, reacting with anger born out of fear and trauma. It took time, understanding and a great deal of patience for him to begin to trust again.

Slowly but surely, he learned that he was safe. Today, he is settled, calmer and enjoys the companionship of his best friend Winston.

If you’d like to mark Horatio’s birthday with a treat, you can do so via our online shop.

Why Your Support Matters

Stories like April’s, Clyde’s and Horatio’s are at the heart of everything we do.

Some animals come to us through no fault of their own, simply because their owners can no longer cope. Others arrive having experienced neglect, cruelty or long-term suffering. Every single one deserves the chance to feel safe, cared for and valued.

Providing that level of care, especially for older animals or those with ongoing health needs, is a long-term commitment. It requires time, expertise, space and, of course, funding.

We receive no government support and rely entirely on donations, sponsorships and purchases from our shop to continue our work.

If you are able to support us, whether by sponsoring an animal, sending a birthday treat or making a donation, you are directly helping animals like April, Clyde and Horatio live out their lives in comfort and safety.

Thank you, as always, for being part of their journey.

 

You can meet April, Clyde and Horatio at our first Open Day of the 2026 season on Sunday 3 May. You can find full details on our website here and buy your ticket in advance.

 

The Hidden Danger in Your Pasture: Ragwort Awareness

What every horse owner and livestock keeper should know about this common plant…

Ragwort may look like a bright splash of yellow in the countryside, but it can be deadly to horses and other grazing animals. The plant contains toxins that damage the liver, and the effects can build up over time, sometimes without obvious symptoms until it is too late. This is why managing ragwort around grazing land is so important.

As shared recently by Your Horse magazine, Natural England has confirmed that the complaints process for ragwort control will reopen from April this year, a move widely welcomed across the horse world.

At Remus Horse Sanctuary, we’ve been raising awareness of the dangers of ragwort for many years, including in our blog The Battle with Ragwort. In the past we have sometimes been targeted by online trolls for speaking out – even though we have never called for the plant to be wiped out. We understand its importance in the wider ecosystem, including as a food source for species such as the cinnabar moth. Our concern is simply to ensure that horses and other grazing animals are kept safe.

Our priority is always the welfare of the horses in our care and in the wider community. By raising awareness and encouraging responsible action, we hope to prevent unnecessary harm while respecting the wider ecosystem. If you are a horse owner or manage grazing land, now is a good time to check your pastures and take simple steps to keep horses safe.

We’re looking forward to our first Open Day of the 2026 season which will take place on Sunday 3 May. You can find full details here and buy your ticket in advance.

Dengie Backs Remus Winter Appeal with £1,000 Feed Donation

Remus Horse Sanctuary in Ingatestone, Essex, has received a generous £1,000 feed donation from Dengie Horse Feeds in support of its Winter Appeal. The donation will help provide vital nutrition for the Sanctuary’s rescued horses, ponies and donkeys during the cold winter months, when feed costs rise significantly, and support Remus’s welfare efforts delivering emergency supplies to tethered and neglected horses across Essex and beyond.

Winter is one of the most challenging times of year for equine welfare charities, with increased demand for forage, specialist feeds and additional care. Dengie’s support will ensure that every horse, pony and donkey at Remus continues to receive the nutrition they need to stay healthy and warm throughout the winter months, while also enabling the Sanctuary to deliver emergency feed to vulnerable horses in the wider community.

Remus Horse Sanctuary has worked closely with Dengie Horse Feeds for many years, using their products as part of tailored feeding regimes for animals with a wide range of needs, including elderly horses and those recovering from neglect.

The Winter Appeal remains open until 31 March 2026, with donations directly supporting feed, bedding and essential daily care for the Sanctuary’s residents, as well as emergency supplies for tethered and neglected horses across the South East of England.

“It is a privilege to be able to support the ongoing work of Sue and her amazing Team at Remus Horse Sanctuary,” says Tracey Hammond, Nutritionist at Dengie. “Forage shortages have meant escalating forage costs in many areas, which is an additional cost that sanctuaries like Remus just don’t need on top of the usual costs of winter and all the animals in their care.

“Many of Dengie’s fibre feeds can be used as part or total forage replacers which can be particularly useful when supplementing the forage of individuals within a herd that all have varying needs. Products like Dengie Hi-Fi Senior combined with Alfa-Beet can be used for those that don’t maintain their weight with ease or that struggle to chew, whilst products like Hi-Fi Lite and Meadow Lite with Herbs are ideal for those that are good doers or that need to lose weight.”

Sue Burton, Founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Dengie for their continued generosity and ongoing support. Their understanding of the individual needs of our animals and their commitment to equine welfare makes a very real difference, particularly during the winter months. Donations like this help us continue our work and ensure every animal in our care are kept safe, healthy and well fed.”

Further details of the appeal can be found online at:

www.justgiving.com/campaign/remuswinterappeal2026

Main image, pictured left to right: Alex Brown (Yard Manager) with Dandy pony and Harry Coston (Animal Care Assistant) with Rosie pony.

Additional images of a nosy Minstral checking out the new supplies, and Rosie (Left) and Dandy tucking in!

March Birthdays at Remus Horse Sanctuary

March is a special month here at Remus Horse Sanctuary as we celebrate seven very different birthday stories! Each one is a reminder of why rescue, rehabilitation and lifelong care matter so much.

Happy 30th Birthday Blax

Born 10 March 1996

Blax joined us five years ago alongside another horse, Lady. Both had been kept in appalling conditions – Blax was struggling with a leg injury and Lady was elderly and emaciated. When they were finally signed over to us, they were so terrified it took five long hours to catch them and bring them safely back to the Sanctuary.

Tragically, despite every effort and the very best care, Lady did not survive. Blax, however, showed incredible strength, and with time, treatment and patience, she made a wonderful recovery.

Today, at 30 years old, Blax lives life to the full, charging around the fields with her friends Dora, Heidi and Jakie. From fear and injury to freedom and friendship, her journey is one we are immensely proud of.

If you would like to sponsor Blax, you can do so via our website: www.remussanctuary.org/shop/blax

Or if you would like to send her a birthday treat, visit our animal treats section: www.remussanctuary.org/product-category/animal-treats

Happy 16th Birthday Maisie

Born 18 March 2010

Maisie and her mule baby, Muffin, were among the most frightened animals we have ever welcomed through our gates. When they arrived, they had to spend their first months in isolation while we, alongside a behaviourist, worked gently to earn their trust.

It is heartbreaking to think about what they must have endured before coming to us. Maisie was so terrified she would physically shake if anyone went near her.

Slowly, with consistency and kindness, progress has been made. Maisie and Muffin are now out in a paddock together, learning from the other animals that they are safe and will never be harmed again. They are both incredibly sweet, and although trust comes in tiny steps, they are continuing to move forward every day.

If you would like to buy Maisie a birthday present, please visit our animal treats section: www.remussanctuary.org/product-category/animal-treats

Happy 11th Birthday Charlie

Born 28 March 2015

Charlie was just seven months old when he was taken from his mother because his owner had no use for him. Thankfully, he was brought straight to us!

He arrived underweight, covered in lice and full of worms. He was frightened and desperately searching for his mum. While in isolation, we tried to ease his loneliness with a mirror and a large teddy bear. Heartbreakingly, he would stand for hours licking the mirror as though it were his mother.

With careful nursing and plenty of love, Charlie regained his health and confidence. Today he has his best friend in the world, Dante, and the two of them spend their days running and playing together.

If you would like to sponsor Charlie, please visit: www.remussanctuary.org/shop/charlie

Or to send him a birthday treat: www.remussanctuary.org/product-category/animal-treats

Happy 23rd Birthday to Archie, Oscar, Drifter and Dusty

Affectionately known as The Four Shetlands, Archie, Oscar, Drifter and Dusty had a difficult start. For the first eight months of their lives they were dragged from market to market. By the time they came to our attention, they were emaciated, unwell and full of infection. They had even been illegally castrated.

We were able to intervene and bring them to safety at the Sanctuary, where they received the urgent care they needed. They were terrified of people and required a great deal of time and gentle handling to rebuild their trust.

Now, 23 years on, they are thriving. These four little characters enjoy peaceful days out in their field with their friends, a world away from the instability they once knew.

If you would like to sponsor The Four Shetlands, please visit: www.remussanctuary.org/shop/the-shets

Or to buy them some birthday treats: www.remussanctuary.org/product-category/animal-treats

Every birthday we celebrate is a milestone. It represents not just another year of life, and hope, but another year of safety, stability and kindness.

In case you were wondering, the birthdate, if unknown, is the date the animal was rescued.

Thank you, as always, for helping us give animals like Blax, Maisie, Charlie and The Four Shetlands the lives they deserve.

Please make a note that our first Open Day of the 2026 season will take place on Sunday 3 May. You can find full details here and buy your ticket in advance.

Year of the Horse 2026: What Our Long History with Horses Says About Us Today

From 17 February 2026, we enter the Year of the Horse. In the Chinese zodiac, this is a year associated with strength, freedom, loyalty and hard work. Horses symbolise movement and progress, but also partnership. For thousands of years, horses have quite literally carried humanity forward, shaping how we farmed, travelled, fought wars and policed our streets.

It feels fitting, then, to mark the Year of the Horse not just as a celebration of what these animals represent, but as a moment of reflection. While most horse owners show incredible dedication – often putting their horse’s welfare above their own comfort and facing challenges like bad weather or injury – there remains a minority who do not meet the high standard of care these animals deserve. This contrast reminds us that, alongside admiration, we must also confront uncomfortable realities about how some horses are treated today.

What the horse symbolises

In the Chinese zodiac, the horse represents energy, independence and perseverance. Horses are seen as noble, generous and strong, thriving on trust and connection. These qualities resonate because they reflect the way horses have historically worked with people rather than simply for them.

Even outside the zodiac, horses have long been symbols of courage and service. From ancient civilisations to modern ceremonial roles, they are admired for their willingness to work alongside humans, often in difficult and dangerous conditions.

Horses in war, policing and public service

For centuries, horses were essential to warfare. They carried soldiers, supplies and artillery, often under extreme conditions, with no understanding of the conflict they were placed in. It is estimated that millions of horses died during the First World War alone, many from exhaustion, injury or lack of care.

Closer to home, horses have also played a vital role in policing. Mounted police units are still used across the UK today, valued not just for their visibility but for their calming influence and ability to engage with communities. These horses are highly trained, intelligent animals who must remain calm in noisy, unpredictable environments.

Whether on the battlefield or city streets, horses have consistently shown patience, bravery and trust in the people guiding them.

The uncomfortable reality of horse welfare today

Despite the commitment of many devoted owners, horses remain disproportionately vulnerable to neglect and poor treatment. At Remus Horse Sanctuary, the gap between the deep respect horses inspire and the way some are sadly treated is painfully clear.

Holly’s story is one such example: rescued in very poor health and distress, her future was uncertain, shaped by prolonged neglect rather than care. Minstral’s story is another, having suffered severe neglect before finally finding safety. These are not isolated or rare cases, they represent a wider problem caused by a minority who fail to meet the responsibility horse ownership requires.

Behind every rescue is a horse that has been failed – not by the community of caring owners, but by a combination of factors including lack of knowledge, poor planning, financial pressure, indifference, and in some cases deliberate abuse. Horses are complex, intelligent, social animals with long lifespans, often living well into their late twenties or beyond. Yet they are sometimes acquired without a full understanding of the lifelong commitment involved, or sadly abandoned when circumstances change.

Across the UK, welfare charities report rising numbers of neglected and abandoned horses. Rescue centres struggle with limited space, escalating veterinary costs and growing demand. The cost of living crisis has only intensified these pressures, highlighting a deeper issue: the challenge of maintaining the respect and responsibility horse ownership demands.

When horses are no longer useful, convenient or affordable, it is too often these animals who pay the price.

A stronger connection with horse owners

It’s important to recognise that most horse people are deeply committed, often going to extraordinary lengths to care for their animals. Whether it’s early mornings in freezing conditions, late nights nursing an injury, or financial sacrifices, their dedication is evident.

At Remus Horse Sanctuary, many of our supporters and volunteers are horse owners who share this commitment and understand the heartbreak when horses are mistreated. Together, we can work towards better education, support and awareness to reduce suffering and protect horses now and in the future.

A moment to reflect, a moment to act

The Year of the Horse invites us to celebrate everything these animals represent. Strength. Loyalty. Partnership. But it should also prompt us to ask harder questions.

If we admire horses for their service, resilience and trust, then respect has to follow. That means responsible ownership, better education, and meaningful support for the charities working tirelessly to protect them when things go wrong. Horses have carried us through history. The least we can do is ensure they are treated with the care, dignity and respect they deserve now.

At Remus Horse Sanctuary, we see what happens when that respect is missing. Horses like Holly and Minstral arrive having been failed, often after prolonged neglect, and in need of time, patience and specialist care to recover. Their stories are not unique, but they are powerful reminders of why this work matters.

Every donation helps us provide safety, veterinary treatment and long term rehabilitation for horses who have nowhere else to turn. If you are able to, please consider supporting our vital work.

With your help, we can continue to be there for horses when they need us most, not just in the Year of the Horse, but every year.

 

Celebrating February Birthdays at Remus

This February, we celebrate three extraordinary souls at Remus Horse Sanctuary whose birthdays remind us why the Sanctuary exists – to offer refuge, care and a new beginning for horses who have known hardship, fear and neglect.

Their stories are ones of hope, healing and second chances.

Happy 13th Birthday Judy

Born 1 February 2013

Judy’s story is one of quiet courage. Rescued by a kind-hearted lady who saw her struggle with a twisted spine that meant she could never be ridden, Judy faced an uncertain and potentially lonely future. To ensure and protect her future, Remus was chosen to secure Judy’s safety by entrusting her to us here at Remus Horse Sanctuary. Here, Judy has found her forever home, a place where she is valued just for being herself – loved, safe and free from worry.

Choose a special treat for Judy’s birthday.

Happy 22nd Birthday Marcus

Born 21 February 2004

Marcus’s early life was marked by fear and cruelty. We found him barely a year and a half old, terrified and scarred at an unauthorised market where he was being ridden roughly amid a chaotic crowd. Covered in whip marks and sores, Marcus was too frightened to move for three days when he arrived at Remus. But over time, he discovered kindness and patience here with us. Slowly, Marcus learned to trust again. Today, he enjoys the peace and friendship he always deserved – a reminder of the healing power of compassion.

If you’d like to help support Marcus’s ongoing care and happiness, you can sponsor him here: www.remussanctuary.org/shop/marcus or spoil him with a birthday treat.

Happy 21st Birthday Rowan

Born 27 February 2005

Rowan’s journey is a testament to resilience and the life-saving impact of the Sanctuary. When she arrived aged just 18 months, she was withdrawn, isolated and deeply traumatised. Without intervention, she and her newborn foal Willow would almost certainly have perished – Rowan suffered internal bleeding and colic, conditions made worse by the harsh realities of life on a traveller’s field. But thanks to the Sanctuary and your generosity, Rowan and Willow survived, forming a close bond that fills the fields with hope.

You can support Rowan’s care by sponsoring her here: www.remussanctuary.org/shop/rowan or choose a special treat for her birthday.

Every birthday at Remus is a powerful reminder of why the Sanctuary is so vital. These horses have faced pain and uncertainty – but here, through compassion and care, they find healing and hope – and a second chance. Your support makes all the difference, turning heartbreaking stories into ones of survival, trust and joy.

If you feel moved by their stories and want to help more horses like Judy, Marcus and Rowan, please consider making a donation or becoming a sponsor. Every gift, no matter the size, helps provide food, veterinary care and the safe space these animals need to thrive.

To find out how you can get involved, visit www.remussanctuary.org – together, we can continue to change lives, one horse at a time.

Thank you for being part of the Remus family.

 

What is Give as you Live Online?

You may have seen our social media posts in the past, or perhaps previous blogs about ‘Give as you Live’ – but perhaps you’re unfamiliar with how it works and whether you can trust it as a means of making donations to us. After all, most things that are too good to be true, generally are right! Well we think this is probably one of the few exceptions.

However, if you’re still in doubt, we’d like to share some further information with you.

How does Give as you Live work?

By shopping through Give as you Live Online supporters can raise free funds for us and other charities. Give as you Live Online work with over 4,300 popular high street retailers, as well as dozens of insurance, energy, broadband and utility providers. Supporters simply sign up to Give as you Live Online and use the website, iOS app, start page or Donation Reminder to browse retailers and make a purchase. Once you have shopped online a free donation is raised for the charity!

Where do the funds come from?

As a ‘thank you’ for bringing users to their website, the retailer pay Give as you Live Online a commission – they then turn this into a donation for the supporter’s chosen charity.

If their services are free, how do they make money?

Put simply, the Give as you Live team make their money through the retailers – part of the commission they receive from the retailers is retained by them to cover their costs. They donate 50% of the commission they receive to charity, and the other 50% is used to fund the ongoing development of Give as you Live Online.

All of this is done in the background – this means the donation amounts they display represent the actual amount the charity will receive – a 5% donation really does mean a 5% donation!

How do I sign up?

We have our own dedicated landing page on the Give as you Live website. It’s easy – and free – to register so you can quickly sign-up and start raising funds. It can be done with only a few clicks!

Click on any one of the links above and, once you’re on the Remus dedicated landing page click on the green button on the right hand side which says: ‘Support us, it’s free’ and follow the simple steps.

Your support in this way, makes a phenomenal difference to us here at Remus Horse Sanctuary. You’ll be able to see how much is being raised online via these simple steps.

And remember, whether you’re shopping for groceries, the sales, your holiday, or just switching your energy supplier, every little really will help! Just click below to sign up now!

SIGN UP NOW

Sale Items: We have a couple of gift boxes remaining with short ‘best before’ dates. Price reduced from £12 to £6 plus p&p. Choose from:

• Choc Chip Biscuits with Three Fruit Marmalade and Pure Flower Honey
• Butter Shortbread with Plum Preserve and Summer Blossom Honey

Find the full details of both gift boxes here and place your order to avoid them going to waste.

Celebrating January Birthdays at Remus

January brings a few very special birthdays here at Remus Horse Sanctuary, giving us the chance to celebrate some much-loved residents and share their stories with you, our supporters. Each of these animals has their own journey and your kindness helps us continue to care for them every day.

Happy Birthday Scotty, 35 years young

Scotty came to Remus alongside three other ponies after a riding school was forced to close when the owners were evicted. These ponies had been well cared for and had spent years teaching Essex children how to ride and, just as importantly, how to respect horses. We were able to rehome many of the horses, but Scotty and some of the other older ponies came to live out their retirement here at Remus.

Now in his mid-thirties, Scotty lives with arthritis, PPID and has a pollen allergy during the summer months. Despite this, he enjoys a peaceful life and is rarely seen far from his best friend, Minty. Their bond is a lovely reminder of how important companionship is, especially in later years.

If you would like to sponsor Scotty, you can do so via our website. You can also mark his birthday with a special treat from the animal treats section of our online shop.

Happy 18th Birthday Stix

Stix arrived at Remus from an unauthorised Travellers Fair, where he was being ridden by two young children at the same time despite being only eight months old and very small. He came to us with two donkeys, William and Coco, and the three lived together for several years before Stix was gradually introduced to the Shetland herd.

Stix settled in beautifully and is now very much at home within the group. He is known for his cheeky personality and certainly keeps everyone on their toes. Watching him enjoy a safe and settled life is a reminder of why rescue and long-term care matter so much.

Supporters can sponsor Stix through our website, or choose a birthday treat for him from the animal treats section of our shop.

Happy 20th Birthday Holly

Holly’s story is one of the most heartbreaking, but also one of quiet strength. She was rescued from Wales after repeatedly escaping her field and being found wandering country lanes. Heavily pregnant and completely blind, she had endured a life of being tethered in all weathers. Veterinary specialists believe her blindness was caused deliberately, leaving her unwanted and facing euthanasia.

Thankfully, Holly was brought to Remus, where she found safety and understanding. She lives confidently with her foal Bracken and her close companions, forming a calm and supportive little family. Although Holly cannot see, she navigates her surroundings with remarkable assurance and trust.

You can help us continue to care for Holly by sponsoring her, either for yourself or as a thoughtful gift for someone else. Birthday treats for Holly can also be purchased through the animal treats section of our shop.

Kindness truly makes the difference at Remus. Every act of support, whether through sponsorship, membership or a simple birthday treat, helps us provide safety, comfort and lifelong care to animals who have known hardship. With your continued kindness, we can be there for every animal who needs us, not just on their birthday, but every day of the year.

Please view and share our Winter Feed Appeal.

Remus Horse Sanctuary Launches Winter Feed Appeal to Help Hungry Horses in Need

As snow covers much of the country, Sue Burton, Founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary has launched their annual Winter Feed Appeal to help keep rescued and vulnerable equines safe, warm and well-fed throughout the harsh winter months. The Sanctuary, home to more than 100 horses, ponies and donkeys, is seeking to raise £2,500 to maintain its feed stores and deliver emergency supplies to tethered and neglected horses across Essex and beyond.

Winter poses one of the biggest challenges for equine welfare. With little or no grazing available, older and rescued horses rely entirely on hay and specialist feeds to stay warm and healthy. However, lower hay yields and rising costs following difficult growing conditions in 2025, is making feed both scarcer and more expensive.

Remus also continues to respond to calls about tethered horses without food or water. While tethering itself is not illegal, welfare standards set out by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) Code of Practice for Horses are often not met. With community outreach and feed deliveries, the Sanctuary helps ensure these animals get the care they need – and alerts authorities when welfare laws are breached.

The Winter Feed Appeal aims to raise £2,500, every penny of which will go directly towards feed, hay and emergency callouts:

• £15 could buy a sack of fibre feed for an older pony for a week.
• £25 could contribute to a pallet of hay for high-need residents.
• £50 could help fund remedial shoes for a laminitic pony.

These amounts are illustrative of the difference donors can make. Funds are always used where the need is greatest across hay, specialist feeds and urgent welfare cases.

“Every winter we see animals arrive thin, cold and frightened,” says Sue Burton, Founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary. “A warm rug and a full belly can be the difference between despair and recovery. With your help, we can say yes when the next call comes – and will keep working to ensure more horses are safe, warm and cared for this winter.”

To donate, visit Remus Horse Sanctuary’s Winter Feed Appeal and help reach the £2,500 target. The sooner the barn is full, the more lives can be changed this winter: www.justgiving.com/campaign/remuswinterappeal2026

 

Grant for Good: A New Opportunity for Fundraisers in 2026

Give as you Live Donate has launched Grant for Good – a funding pot designed to help you kick-start your 2026 fundraising challenges. We’re excited to share this opportunity with our supporters, especially those who have a big idea but need a little help getting it off the ground.

What is Grant for Good?

Grant for Good is a £2,500 funding pot created by Give as you Live Donate. The money comes from their community of shoppers who raise donations for charity simply by shopping online. These donations don’t get assigned to a specific charity – instead, they contribute to initiatives like this.

The aim is straightforward: to support individuals who need help with the upfront costs of a fundraising challenge taking place in 2026.

Who can apply?

Give as you Live Donate has outlined the following criteria:

• UK residents aged 18 or over
• Individuals – not organisations or businesses
• People planning a fundraising challenge or event in 2026
• Applicants must be raising money through Give as you Live Donate
• Applicants must be happy to include Give as you Live Donate branding and information in their fundraising promotion

What can the grant be used for?

The grant is intended to cover reasonable start-up costs connected to a fundraising idea – for example:

• Equipment
• Travel
• Materials
• Venue costs
• Anything essential to making the challenge possible

The funding is not fixed per person; Give as you Live Donate will decide the award amounts based on the applications they receive.

How to apply

Applications must include:

1. A short written submission explaining your fundraising idea, budget and, of course, chosen charity, ie, Remus Horse Sanctuary.
2. A short video introducing yourself and sharing why you want to complete the challenge.
3. All applications must be submitted directly to Give as you Live Donate.

The deadline is 31 January 2026.

Why it’s worth applying

Many brilliant fundraising ideas never happen because of the initial costs involved. Grant for Good is designed to remove that barrier and give more people the chance to make a difference.

If you’ve been thinking about taking on a challenge in 2026, big or small, this could be the support you need to get started. Visit Grant for Good and apply now!