Fire crew goes 'above and beyond' to rescue horse

Charlotte Walsh (left) was one of the firefighters who helped rescue Sammy Boyle's horse Thorne

A woman has held a fundraising event for firefighters after a crew went "above and beyond" to rescue her horse which got stuck in his stable.

Sammy Boyle, 56, said she discovered her 37-year-old horse Thorne had become trapped in his shelter at Kirmington, North Lincolnshire, at about 07:00 GMT on 27 January.

After calling 999 for assistance, Miss Boyle said Immingham East Blue Watch, a Humberside Fire and Rescue (HFRS) crew, arrived within 15 minutes to assist Thorne.

To thank them, Miss Boyle raised over £400 for the HFRS Animal Rescue Unit and The Fire Fighters Charity through a pub quiz and raffle.

Sammy Boyle said when she whistles, Thorne "normally comes running like Black Beauty"

"He wouldn't be here without their help. He didn't have the strength to get up by himself," she said.

Miss Boyle said Thorne was in his shelter with his stable-mate, George, when he rolled over and all four of his legs became stuck underneath the railings.

Describing it as a "freak accident", Miss Boyle said Thorne had tried to get up, but had become further trapped.

When rescuers arrived, they got to work using a Manitou lift to slide Thorne out of the stable railings and help him back onto his feet.

"It was heartbreaking. When you've had a horse for 30 years they become part of your family. He's my life really," Miss Boyle said.

To thank HFRS, Miss Boyle held a quiz and raffle event at The Salutation Inn in Nettleton on 10 August where she raised £415.

She said: "The fire crew went above and beyond and the weather was atrocious but they were there for hours.

"They took it in their stride and wouldn't leave until Thorne was walking around. They are an absolute asset to this area."

Sammy Boyle raised money for Humberside's Animal Rescue Unit and The Fire Fighters Charity

Fiona Reid, fundraising manager at The Fire Fighters Charity, said: "On behalf of everyone at The Fire Fighters Charity, I want to thank Sammy for organising such a fantastic fundraiser in aid of us.

"Every pound raised goes directly towards supporting members of our fire and rescue service community with their physical and mental wellbeing.

"That support is there for each of them, for life, including the fantastic crew who helped to rescue Thorne. A huge thank you once again to all involved."

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