A fundraising appeal for an abandoned foal found on the side of the road in north Essex has smashed its target.
Gizmo was left severely emaciated with lice and suffering with hypothermia, dehydration and pneumonia on the side of Yeldham Road, Ridgewell, near Ridgewell Caravan Park.
The four-month-old piebald cob was also without his mother, and unable to walk.
Vets did not think he would make it through the first night when he was rescued by the RSPCA and taken to the Catley Cross Veterinary Centre.
An appeal was launched in a bid to raise £11,000 to pay for both his emergency medical care and ongoing rehabilitation.
But kind donors, touched by the story, raised almost £20,000 with money being pledged from as far afield as Canada.
Almost £18,000 was raised by more than 800 donors on an online fundraising page.
The extra money raised will be spent helping other horses in a similar situation to Gizmo.
Carolyn Wyse, a vet at Catley Cross, said: “He is not out of the woods yet but Gizmo really is picking up more and more each day.
“He holds his own head up now, and is using his legs better, and was even getting very feisty during his lifting sessions yesterday which is a great sign.
“It is always touch and go when horse are this young and poorly, and he was particularly weak when he was found. But we have everything crossed he is going to continue to get better now.
“We have been so overwhelmed by people’s generosity. The money means we don’t need to worry about providing him with everything he needs to get better, and the lovely phone calls, Facebook messages and other support really keeps us going.”
RSPCA inspector Sarah Elmy added: “We just want to say a huge thank you to all the people for their amazing generosity. It is clear that Gizmo’s story has really touched people who have all taken him to their hearts.
“It is not just the money – people have made such lovely comments and been so supportive. It just shows you how much people care.
“The RSPCA is also incredibly grateful to Catley Cross vets who have been so dedicated in the care of Gizmo, and all the other animals we bring to them. They make our job so much easier.
“At the moment Gizmo is still walking a fine line, but showing some progress. I so hope he continues to get stronger and grows into the lovely young horse we think he can.”
To donate to Gizmo’s care call 0300 123 0346 or visit his JustGiving page.
Anyone with information about how Gizmo came to be dumped should call 0300 123 8018.
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