Actions of Halifax Based Richard Blair Illingworth Landing Helicopter Causes Distress For Animal Treatment Centre and Mental Health Centre for Ex Servicemen/Women

I am writing to request your help in raising awareness for The Haven, a rehabilitation centre in Greenfield, which provides a tranquil environment for horses to recover from trauma and/or injury. However safe we wish this environment to be for the animals, Richard Blair Illingworth, an ex-serviceman, not local to the area but lives in Halifax, frequently lands his helicopter adjacent to the centre, causing stress and fear to the animals. Due to the physical injuries of the horses, we have unfortunately had to close this centre until this matter is resolved. A horse will naturally engage the fight or flight response, causing adrenaline to surge through its body and this fearful living really is the last thing they need. These animals are already under intense stress from their injuries, and we provide a service that is urgent and necessary.

Louise Brown, a potential service user of The Haven in Greenfield, knocked off her horse on 24 October 2017 by a impatient dangerous driver who drove off afterward, was unable to access The Haven because her horse sustained extensive damage to his tendons and required life-saving surgery.

She says, “The Haven specialises in creating an environment for horses that supports their individual healing, whilst also ensuring that their natural instincts to socialise and remain in a natural environment are met. Reducing stress and anxiety during a period of recovery is proven to accelerate the healing process. Love is administered in the well-being plan and formulated for each horse, which includes treatments like physical therapies, soft tissue manipulation, immune supportive therapies, and methods to release fear. The environment that the horse is situated in is of most importance, and upon continual observation of the subtle changes in the horse, change are, in turn, made in the environment. This is a crucial time when Thomas needs one-to-one facilitated care, while his tendons heal, and the landing of the helicopter could frighten Thomas and any sudden movement could cause him to undo the major surgery he underwent for the horrific injuries he sustained in the accident. Without this helicopter issue, Thomas could have received the essential care from The Haven, but had to go to Leahurst Hospital instead.”

A friend of Louise, set up a crowdfunding bid through justgiving.com to raise funds; https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/emma-taylor-652?utm_id=107&utm_term=M3ev8Vb5Y

This horrific accident was reported by The Mirror https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/horrific-moment-impatient-motorist-drives-11407607.

In addition to The Haven, The Gratitude Programme, founded by Sarah Burton, an Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy centre supports children, adults, and ex-servicemen and women to overcome issues like posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Due to the frequent disruption with the helicopter, it is impossible to treat these mentally fragile persons in a calm and tranquil environment. Mental health not only affects adults and children, but also animals, and it is vital that we provide this resource, but are currently unable to do due to the possible danger to the animals.

This matter is easily resolvable, but Mr Illingworth is unwilling to cooperate. There is a suitable alternative to his landing on the adjacent field and this has been used successfully in the past. Both the Haven and The Gratitude Programme are under threat from Mr Illingworth, and his selfish actions have resulted in the injury of five horses thus far, who reacted fearfully from the helicopter landing and are now receiving veterinary treatment. We have had no option but to discontinue our services until this matter is resolved.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) have ignored our written request for urgent action to be taken against this matter, and Mr Illingworth has chosen not to cooperate, despite knowing the health and safety risks this poses to the horses, our service users, and the general public. The landowners, Jonathan and Joanne Taylor, who presently live in London, will not rescind him permission to land, as they believe the landing is causing no problem(s). A local landowner close to The Haven has given Mr Illingworth permission to land his helicopter, without a risk to the animals and service users, but he will not cooperate.

We operate a policy of non-force and would greatly appreciate the support of the wider community who care, not only about the animals affected by this issue, but also the many service users who depend on our continued work in relation to mental health and general wellness for animals and persons. If we cannot resolve this matter, the future of both The Haven and The Gratitude Programme is under threat.

Due to Mr Illingworth’s lack of cooperation, we have organised a paper based and online campaign: https://www.change.org/p/ civil-aviation-authority- protect-the-animals-at-the- haven-from-the-distress- caused-by-a-local-helicopter- pilot

This campaign is well supported and received 300+ signatures in less than twenty-four hours, when the campaign went live online.

Sarah Burton, founder of The Gratitude Programme, says, “My concerns about the helicopter, apart from the safety risk, is that until we can resolve this matter, The Gratitude Programme is unable to refer clients who may benefit from the services at The Haven. The Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy has been of great assistance in the recovery of a considerable number of people with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There are a number of ex-servicemen and women who are unable to access this service, because of the possibility that this may trigger further distress should the helicopter land while a session is in place. Not only this, but the sight of the animals in distress will affect all but the least compassionate of people.

I was at The Haven when the helicopter landed, as we undertake regular risk assessments, and it is not tenable to expect the workers to endure such a working condition. The last time the helicopter landed, one of the horses, Lily (who many have heard of because of the fundraising that was done to support her rehabilitation) ran directly into a gate and narrowly missed injuring a young girl who stood behind it. It is clear that Mr Illingworth is causing incredible stress to both the animals, whilst also putting children and adults at risk of serious injury.

I have briefly spoken to Mr Illingworth, who refused my request for a meeting. I also offered to introduce him to those whom his actions affect, and again he refused. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) have ignored letters and emails from as far back as October 2017, and we feel that raising media awareness to this problem is the only way forward.

Fortunately, many people from both equine and non-equine backgrounds have come forward to offer their support and I will heed their advice over the coming days in how to take this matter forward.

This situation is easily and calmly resolvable, and it is unfortunate that Mr Illingworth and the landowners will prevent further stress for the animals and mentally fragile persons. Both The Haven and The Gratitude Programme provide a valuable service to the community, and with the current lack of funding to the NHS in treating mental health disorders within the UK, a service like The Gratitude Programme is essential.”

We hope to raise awareness for The Haven to continue to treat injured animals, and The Gratitude Programme to continue its important recovery for mentally fragile persons. We greatly need your ongoing support so that we can take action against both Mr Illingworth and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), to offer a healing environment without risk of injury to animals and persons. Please forward this notice, and sign the petition: https://www.change.org/p/ civil-aviation-authority- protect-the-animals-at-the- haven-from-the-distress- caused-by-a-local-helicopter- pilot

Contact The Haven Founder: Helen Brennand: 07729 018362

Email: info@belief444.com

Website: www.belief444.com

The Belief Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Belief-Helen-Brennand/dp/0992607884/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1402943817&sr=8-1&keywords=belief+helen+brennand

Contact The Gratitude Programme Founder: Sarah Burton: 07814 960224

Email:sarah@thegratitudeprogramme.co.uk