Yorkshire Team
Published on January 30th, 2026
•Ever wondered what it would be like to stand on the wing of a moving aeroplane? Most people would probably say, "No thanks!" But for some, the thought of doing something that daring for a good cause is the ultimate challenge. And that’s exactly what’s happening over at Thornberry Animal Sanctuary in Sheffield. The team is launching a fundraiser that’s quite literally taking to the skies, all to help the animals that depend on them every single day. This isn't your average bake sale; it's a high-flying mission to ensure the sanctuary can continue its amazing work.
A fundraiser that’s really taking off
Okay, let's talk about what’s actually happening. On Sunday 23rd August, three incredibly brave members of the Thornberry team will be taking on a Wing Walk. If you’re not sure what that is, it’s pretty much what it sounds like. They will be strapped securely onto the top wing of a vintage biplane while it performs flypasts and manoeuvres in the air. It’s an adrenaline-pumping experience that you wouldn’t normally associate with animal care, but this is no ordinary fundraiser.
The whole point of this daring feat is to raise vital funds for the hundreds of animals that receive care at the sanctuary. The team at Thornberry provides a safe haven for animals that have been abandoned, mistreated, or have simply run out of options. But providing that level of care costs a lot of money, which is why this unique fundraising event is so important. They need to find creative ways to capture the community's attention and support.
The team behind the high-flying plan
Pulling off a fundraiser of this scale requires a huge amount of dedication. It's a massive undertaking, but the team at Thornberry is committed to doing whatever it takes. The sanctuary doesn't just provide food and shelter; it offers medical treatment, rehabilitation, and endless love to animals that rely completely on its services. Every penny raised from this fundraiser will go directly towards that mission, helping to cover vet bills, food costs, and the general upkeep of the sanctuary. The support of the Yorkshire community is what keeps the doors open, and this event is a powerful call for help.
How you can help them fly high
So, how can people help? Not everyone is ready to stand on the wing of a plane, and that’s perfectly fine! Thornberry has made it incredibly easy for everyone to offer their support from the safety of solid ground. The key to making this fundraiser a success is visibility. The more people who know about the Wing Walk, the more donations will come in. The team has created a special poster for the event, complete with a QR code that links directly to their JustGiving page. JustGiving is a secure and popular online platform for fundraising, making it simple to donate. The sanctuary is asking the local community for a small favour: to help display this poster.
Even a little bit of visibility can make a huge difference. Think about all the places a single poster could be seen. People are encouraged to display it in their workplace, whether that’s in a staff room, on a communal noticeboard, or even in a public-facing reception area. Every person who sees the poster is a potential supporter, and it’s a brilliant way to help without spending a penny. It’s a simple act of community support that could lead to a massive boost for the animals.
Workplace: A poster in the office kitchen or staff room.
Community Centre: Pin it to a public noticeboard.
Reception: Ask if it can be displayed in the main reception area.
Why this support is so important
It’s easy to forget just how much work goes into running an animal sanctuary. The team at Thornberry Animal Sanctuary works tirelessly to provide round-the-clock care for animals who often have nowhere else to turn. These animals rely on the sanctuary for everything, from food and a warm bed to essential veterinary treatment and a chance to find a loving forever home. This is where the wider Yorkshire community comes in. Local charities like Thornberry simply couldn't survive without public support. Every donation, no matter how small, contributes to the welfare of the animals.
This Wing Walk fundraiser is a powerful symbol of the lengths the staff will go to for the creatures in their care. By helping to promote the event, whether by sharing the poster or donating via the JustGiving page, people are directly contributing to the well-being of countless animals. The team and, most importantly, the animals rely on this collective effort. This is a chance for everyone to be a part of something truly special and to show their support for a vital local cause.

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