THE owner of a Hampshire animal sanctuary has put the centre's future at risk - for the love of a horse that saved her life nine years ago.

When Beauty the horse was stabbed in the neck in a vicious knife attack, animal lover Win Skiff knew she had to nurse her back to health to repay the debt she owed her.

For the black mare had saved the pensioner's life nine years ago.

Despite being blind, she had miraculously dragged Win to safety after she suffered a nasty fall in the mud.

But the hundreds of pounds she has paid out in vet's bills has put the future of Win's Hampshire animal sanctuary at risk.

Now she has launched an appeal for funds to keep the centre open.

Win, 83, who is registered blind herself, didn't flinch when it came to spending £700 after Beauty was injured in the attack last month.

In March 1995 Beauty, now aged 33, dragged Win out of the mud to a stable and lay next to her during the night to keep her warm until help arrived.

Beauty has been with Win for 15 years after she was brought in by an elderly lady who couldn't care for her any longer. The bond between them has run deep ever since.

That is why Win was determined to stump up the cash to pay for the lifesaving treatment Beauty needed when she was attacked.

Police are still investigating the vicious incident at the Silver Lake Animal Sanctuary in Midlington Road, Droxford - but vet's bills have left the centre in desperate need of funds.

Win said: "I am very fond of Beauty. She was wonderful when I fell - I never dreamed she would be able to pull me to safety. She saved my life. But she almost bled to death after she was hurt. It was awful, we were so worried about her."

She added: "I couldn't believe the vet's bills, but I had to pay. It has left us short and we need help to keep going."

Win has run the sanctuary for 60 years and began looking after animals when she was just 15.

She is adamant she won't let it close, but about £300 a week is needed to pay for food and electricity alone.

Currently it provides shelter for 84 cats, two goats, two horses, two dogs and countless turkeys and chickens that have all been rescued and brought in after being dumped.

Some are the pets of elderly people who have gone into nursing homes.

Sanctuary supporters have already raised £100, but Win needs to find a lot more.

She said: "We are doing all we can but if the worst came to the worst I would have to take the animals to another local sanctuary to be cared for. But I won't let it close if I can help it."

The Silver Lake Animal Sanctuary is holding a Christmas bazaar to raise funds on December 12 at the Droxford Village Hall in Midlington Road from 11am to 2.30pm. If you want to help raise funds or make a donation call the sanctuary on 01489 877809.