The boss of a much-loved animal sanctuary says she was left almost speechless by the kind gesture of a complete stranger.

It happened as Margaret Todd had just filled up her animal ambulance with £80 worth of diesel at a garage in Stone Street in Stelling Minnis, near Canterbury.

But as she went to the till to pay, a man coming out of the door asked her: "Where are you going?"

Mrs Todd, who runs the Lord Whisky Animal Sanctuary in Stelling Minnis, said: "I told him that I was going to pay and he then asked if the animal ambulance was mine, which I said it was.

"He then said, 'Don't worry, it's paid for'."

Mrs Todd says she thanked him and asked if he'd ever had a rescue dog. He replied that he hadn't but added: "I've heard of you and appreciate what you do."

"Without our supporters and their donations we just couldn't do what we do...."

"I was aghast," she said. "I'd never met him before and it was a wonderful, heart-warming gesture and I really appreciate his kindness."

The ambulance is used as a mobile veterinary clinic. It visits the Macknade farm shop site in Faversham every Tuesday between 2pm and 3pm to help those on low incomes get treatment for their pets at significantly reduced prices.

Like many charities, Lord Whisky has struggled during the pandemic lockdown with the cancellation of fundraising events and the closure of its tea rooms.

With no support from the government, it has been surviving on its reserves and donations while still caring for almost 200 animals.

"Without our supporters and their donations we just couldn't do what we do," said Mrs Todd.

But the charity hopes to get back on track with its first boot fair for more than a year at Park House at Stelling Minnis on Saturday, May 29, starting at 8am where there will also be entertainment from 11am.

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