A TIDAL wave of public generosity has raised new hope for a little horse whose life is threatened by painful mouth abscesses.

Around £1,300 has been donated to Daisy's cause since the Review reported two weeks ago that the five-year-old miniature mare, based at Dick Whittington Farm Park at Longhope, needs £3,000 within six weeks to fund her veterinary bills or faces being put down.

Daisy, who stands around three feet tall, has been on strong painkillers ever since jaw swellings were spotted a few weeks ago. But the effectiveness of the drugs is limited.

Park owner, Chris Turney originally explained that Daisy's owner could not afford to pay for the expensive treatment, but that the farm park's charity fund and his three livestock assistants, Julie Bennett, Jennifer Watson and Dawn Yemm, would be contributing £1,000 towards the cost.

This week, he added: "Though we didn't ask for public support, donations began pouring in the moment Daisy's plight became known.

"We have been bowled over by the extraordinary response from the public. Contributions have varied from just a few pence of children's pocket money to one of £500 from a man passionate about horses.

"I can't thank everyone enough. Their generosity has certainly given us new hope that Daisy's life can be saved through whatever treatment is considered to be most effective long term. X-rays have already been taken of Daisy's jaw and mouth, a second veterinary opinion has been sought, the horse is now on a course of antibiotics as well as painkillers, and, although a final decision about her treatment has not yet been made, everyone is extremely hopeful.

"In the meantime, Julie, Jennifer and Dawn will carry on with their fundraising projects. Their determination that Daisy must be saved is all the stronger because of the fantastic public support."

Julie added: "We are doing all we can because Daisy is a young horse with most of her life still before her."