Bandanas get seal of approval after raising £650 for animal sanctuary in Skegness

Since Cara Marshall launched a Facebook page promoting her designs when the nation went into a second lockdown she has raised more than £650.

And on Wednesday she went along to Natureland to see what the animals thought of her handiwork.

So far her marketing campaign has included putting up posters in the Hildreds shopping centre and she is now “stocked” in a doggy deli shop in Newcastle!

Proud mum Claire said: "It also started when we joined Phoenix Fitness gym in October, who do a lot for charity.

"Cara’s not been very well over the last few weeks with tummy problems so hasn’t been at school much, and was in hospital a few days.

"So she needed something to take her mind off it.

"I challenged myself to lose weight and Cara wanted a challenge too and so decided to make bandanas for animals to raise money for Natureland.

"I've been on the production line too doing the cutting out and ironing.

"We never expected our challenges to be so successful - I lost 14lbs and Cara raised over £650!

""I’m so proud of her, and what she has achieved in such a short time. I thought it’s time we spread a little love in these difficult times. She’s an inspiration to all of us!!"

Cara, who attends Skegness Junior Academy, says she has her grandma to thank for teaching her how to sew.

"I made a bandana for my grandmas dog and thought I'd make a few more and raise about £20 for Natureland.

"I never expected to raise so much or for a shop to want to stock them.

"I loves the seal sanctuary and hope to work here one day but they may have to close if they don’t get £100,000 to stay open.

"It takes £2,000 just to save one baby seal that is rescued off the beach and that’s my goal"

Matt Yeadon, of Natureland, said they were overwhelmed by Cara's achievement. "It's always great to get support but especially with the current challenges.

"We have stayed closed throughout December as it was too costly to open.

"It's been a very hard year for us and we have lost thousands and thousands of pounds and every little helps.

"£650 is an amazing amount to come in and they will great straight to the rescue work that we do."

For more details visit Cara's Bandanas for Pets on Facebook.