Heacham animal-lover Olivia Fane hopes to raise enough money for horse Primrose's surgery

An animal-lover’s friends have launched an appeal to try and save her beloved horse.

Olivia Fane, 21, has developed a special bond with her horse Primrose since first purchasing her three years ago.

The Heacham resident keeps her on land she rents outside the village - but has been left fearful due to a sombre diagnosis.

Primrose is currently battling sand impaction, which was brought on by a dry stomach due to eating dehydrated grass during the summer.

Olivia said: “With it being scorched, we didn’t have much green grass for the best part of the year, so all the dust and debris has basically built up in her stomach, caused a bacterial infection and a blockage.”

Primrose is being given medication in an attempt to create a gel-like substance in her stomach to gather excess material.

However, despite it being a last resort, surgery remains a possibility - but Olivia says there is only a 20% survival rate.

She is therefore desperate to avoid that, but accepts she may need help to foot the bill.

“She’s got me through a lot. We’ve all had our own troubles over the years, but she’s been there,” Olivia said.

“She’s been my little rock, she’s distracted me when I’ve needed it. I ride her and drive her, she pulls the carriage. She brings me a lot of joy.

“We’re all in the same boat with the cost of living, but I didn’t expect a a £6,000 bill - in the middle of winter as well.

“I just wasn’t prepared with the funds for that.”

Olivia said she will be “very very grateful” if anyone can help her cause, with a Crowdfunder page being set up by her friend Selina.

Olivia has always been an animal lover, but only became interested in horses at the age of 15.

She says they have since had a big impact on her life, and added: “They’ve really changed me as a person.”

Anybody who wishes to donate towards Primrose’s surgery can visit: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/help-give-this-amazing-mare-primrose-a-chance

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