Andrew Daniels hadn't owned a bike for 38 years. He wouldn't describe himself as a fitness icon. But he has demonstrated incredible endurance – through his lifelong commitment to helping people and animals in need. Since his retirement, the British-born volunteer has been coordinating the volunteer program at the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre, a sanctuary for abused and neglected horses near the small town of Rojales on Spain's Costa Blanca. Before that, he spent 30 years caring for children with life-limiting conditions. ‘They were the ones who always inspired me to find inner strength and selflessness,’ he says.
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Thanks to the strength and selflessness of remarkable individuals like Andrew, the residents of Easy Horse Care Rescue Center have been given a second chance at life.The sanctuary is home to 150 animals – mainly horses and donkeys but also birds, pigs and other farm animals. Some of them arrived after dramatic rescues. Others made their own way to the center in what can only be described as a miracle.
Running the rescue is expensive. Each month, it requires 22.000 euro to cover costs. Alongside ongoing expenses for food and bedding, medical bills are a major challenge, including costs for medications, specialists farriery, and tailored nutrition for the many animals with long-term health issues.The centre relies entirely on donations. Keeping up with expenses is a constant battle. Andrew`s fundraising journey aims to give the rescue centre and its residents as much breathing space as possible.
In June, Andrew will set off on his cycling challenge – from the source of the River Rhine in Switzerland`s Graubünden region, through the German Rhine Valley to the river's mouth in the Netherlands. ‘I am sure I will reach my limits at times,’ he admits, ’but those moments will be short and insignificant compared to what the people and animals I have met have had to endure – for many years.’ For a passionate music lover like Andrew, there is a special milestone along the way. His journey will take him past the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven in Bonn. The musical genius defied his growing deafness and continued composing for as long as he could. A symbol of perseverance that deeply resonates with Andrews mission.
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