Twenty years ago, Louise Yule left her job as a research technician at the University of Aberdeen and moved to an Aberdeenshire farm with her partner Mike, dreaming of a simple “good life” with their horse Bournville and a handful of other animals. What started as a lifestyle change gradually evolved into something much bigger as word spread that Louise would take in unwanted animals, transforming their farm into a registered charity that has become a forever home for creatures no one else can help. The 59-year-old has dedicated her life to caring for animals with health issues, behavioral problems, or advanced age, the ones that traditional shelters can’t rehome, providing sanctuary for an estimated 1,000 animals over two decades.
The journey hasn’t been easy, with vet and feeding costs reaching $70,000 annually and the couple using redundancy money, pension funds, and mortgage extensions to keep the sanctuary running when finances became desperate. Earlier this year, Louise thought they would have to close until volunteers stepped up with incredible fundraising support that literally saved the sanctuary from shutting down. Now shortlisted for BBC’s Make a Difference awards, Halfpenny Farm near Kintore has become more than just an animal sanctuary, it’s a place where volunteers with learning difficulties, struggling students, aspiring vets, and people rebuilding confidence find purpose alongside the rescued animals. Louise’s philosophy is simple but powerful: “We’re a forever home for animals no one else can take,” proving that sometimes the most meaningful life changes happen when you follow your heart rather than a business plan.