A WOMAN whose horse helped her survive cancer is at her ‘wits end’ now that he may be put down.

Benny the horse has contracted a severe infection and needs £20,000 by Tuesday for the continuation of his treatment.

Lucy Travers, 36, moved to Brighton and adopted Benny to help deal with the grief of her mother’s death from breast cancer.

She said: “Every day after my mum died, I would go to the stables and brush, walk and care for Benny, and he gave me such a focus and meaning to my life and really helped me through my grief.

“Over the years, our bond has become so strong, he is honestly my best friend and I spend all my time and money on him.”

Six years ago, Ms Travers was diagnosed with breast cancer and she says Benny was key to her improvement and subsequent remission.

She said: “During my treatment, although I was too weak to ride I spent all day with Benny and, it may sound silly, but I believe the love and healing I received from him played a huge factor in my recovery.”

Benny contracted the infection, which is fatal if untreated, after an operation to remove a cyst from his knee.

Ms Travers has been trying to make the money to keep him alive.

She has been working two jobs and sold her car to pay for the treatment so far, and is now reaching out for help.

Vets have told her that if she cannot complete the treatment Benny will be put down and her money is running out.

Ms Travers added: “All I can hope for is that people can understand and empathise with the love I have for Benny, because he is my horse, pet, best friend, child and parent - however you term him, he is all those things to me. I would appreciate any donations - no matter how small because Benny is the most wonderful horse, and really deserves to live and I can’t imagine life without him.”

To give help Benny and Lucy, visit gofundme.com/savebennyhorse

Background

The bacteria staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can be found in the nose, intestinal tract or skin of a small percentage of normal, healthy horses, although the frequency with which it is found varies widely between studies.

Most horses that are colonised with MRSA do not have an infection, and never develop an infection. However, they are at higher risk for developing an MRSA infection if they become sick, injured or stressed for another reason, such as when they are admitted to an equine hospital.