An Oxfordshire wildlife and conservation charity is one step closer to securing a new home after surpassing the £50,000 mark in its bid to raise a total of £250,000.

Oxfordshire Wildlife Rescue (OWR) took to its online platforms this week to announce it had completed one fifth of its current fundraising mission, in which trustees, staff and volunteers are striving to obtain a new centre with upgraded treatment facilities by next autumn.

The charity announced on November 2 that it had been served notice to leave its current rented premises in Blewbury by October 2024.

The charity faces the risk of closure if it cannot purchase the new property lined up to become its new home within this timeframe.

Reaching the £250,000 total will ensure the charity’s continuation in 2024 and beyond.

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OWR co-owner Luke Waclawek said: “We have been extremely grateful for people's support and well wishes, and many have stood up with us to help keep the charity going by fundraising to secure OWR with its forever home/land.

“We set a target with the board of trustees to try and raise the first £50,000 by Christmas; a timeframe of less than two months.

“OWR has not only reached the target of £50,000 but we have exceeded it in less than two months.

“This is amazing. Your support lights the fires in our hearts and souls to face this immense challenge head-on.

"A huge thank you to everyone who has helped us reach this incredible milestone.”