Jacquie, one of the patients receiving end-of-life care, shared a simple but heartfelt desire — to meet a donkey and give it a good back scratch.
Somerset is home to many donkeys, and while local organisations were eager to help, initial efforts to find a way to bring one to the hospice proved challenging. Undeterred, the St Margaret’s team turned to social media, posting a request for assistance.
The power of Facebook came through and the response was overwhelming. The community rallied — sharing the post, tagging friends, and contacting local businesses. Before long, Polly and Richard Norman came forward, introducing the team to Britney the donkey, a gentle and much-loved animal with a surprising resume. Britney is no ordinary donkey — she’s appeared in films and television shows, even working alongside Hollywood A-listers on confidential projects.
On a bright Saturday afternoon, Britney arrived at the hospice, walking calmly through the corridors and visiting not only Jacquie but several other patients and their families. Her presence brought smiles, laughter, and emotion, as patients reached out to stroke her soft coat and enjoy time in her company.
Despite her declining health, Jacquie was able to gently scratch Britney’s back — fulfilling her wish in a moment that moved all who witnessed it. “It was an incredible sight,” said Hayley Milne, Head of Communications at St Margaret’s. “It really lit her face up.” Richard Norman echoed the sentiment, sharing that the experience brought a lump to his throat.
Before Jacquie became a patient at St Margaret’s, she was already a part of its story. Back in 1993, she and her friends from the Wellington Young Farmers’ Club raised over £500 from carol singing. At the time, Jacquie said the hospice felt like a very “real” cause – one close to home because several of the group’s relatives had been cared for there. Now, more than 30 years later, the hospice she once supported is supporting her. It’s a powerful reminder of the way that communities care for one another across generations, and how St Margaret’s is here not only because of its supporters, but for them too.
At St Margaret’s Hospice Care, the philosophy is simple: to care for the whole person. Beyond medical and physical needs, the hospice focuses on emotional, psychological, and spiritual wellbeing. Whether it’s arranging a final dance, helping patients craft in the Sunflower Centre, or making dreams like Jacquie’s come true, St Margaret’s is committed to creating meaningful moments and lasting memories.
We are proud to go beyond medicine. We are committed to having the time to care — now and always, to bring peace, joy, and dignity to our patients, helping them live as well as they can for as long as they can.”Hayley Milne, Head of Communications
St Margaret’s extends heartfelt thanks to Richard and Polly Norman, to the star of the day, Britney the donkey, and to the Somerset community who helped make this magical moment possible.
It costs £15 million each year to run all the services within the hospice and provide the level of care that is given. In their 45th anniversary year they are launching an appeal to raise £100,000 in 36 hours. Called Every Moment Counts, the hospice is recruiting Champions to raise awareness of the appeal among their networks and encourage friends, family, colleagues and others in their community to donate during the 36 hours. Donations up to £50,000 will be doubled, thanks to matched funding pledged upfront.
Every Moment Counts
If you could be a Champion to support this appeal to help the hospice to continue providing care and moments of joy for patients and their families, click below to find out more and pledge your support.
