Smudgie the donkey was popular with patients and staff during a recent trip to Mountbatten.

The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary and Mountbatten teamed up to enable Smudgie to visit the Newport hospice.

She spent time with inpatients and also enjoyed lots of attention from visitors at Mountbatten’s John Cheverton Centre.

“It was a very uplifting experience and the patients and staff enjoyed making a fuss over Smudgie,” said Tiffany Harvey, Community Engagement Leader at Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary.

“Smudgie took it all in her stride and enjoyed the attention.

“The Mountbatten staff were very helpful and nothing was too much effort, even rearranging one of the rooms so one gentleman could see Smudgie.

“It was a real pleasure to work with Mountbatten to make this happen.”

“It was a real pleasure to work with Mountbatten to make this happen.”

It is hoped further events involving Mountbatten and the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary can be arranged in the future.

“The patients loved seeing Smudgie and she really brought a smile to their faces,” said Mountbatten sister, Theresa McNamara.

“We were really grateful to the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary for bringing her in.”