An orphaned Exmoor foal who was given little chance of survival is being cared for by the Moorland Mousie Trust. And the charity is appealing for help to give her the best possible start in life.

Tinkerbell was taken in by the charity on Sunday, August 9, after her mother died just two days earlier. The tiny foal had been left without the care she needed and was struggling to take milk from a bottle.

A trustee of the Moorland Mousie Trust made the 50-mile journey to collect her, with the help of a volunteer. Tinkerbell was reluctant to leave the herd and was described as “pretty wild”, but she was eventually coaxed into a trailer and taken to her new home at the Exmoor Pony Centre.

Since arriving, however, there have been encouraging signs.

Tinkerbell is now drinking milk from a bowl, has been examined by a vet and has received her first injections and a health check.

The veterinary advice is for her to be given soft hay, milk and creep feed, adding to what the charity describes as a “hefty shopping list” for her care.

The Moorland Mousie Trust has launched an online appeal to help meet the costs of veterinary treatment, substitute milk, stabling and ongoing health management.

The charity, based at the Exmoor Pony Centre, takes in young Exmoor ponies when they have no certain future and works to support the survival of the iconic free-living Exmoor pony herds.

Tinkerbell has been named after Mousie’s friend in the book Moorland Mousie, from which the charity takes its name.

The appeal had raised £680, plus £170 in Gift Aid, at the time of writing.

Anyone wishing to help Tinkerbell can donate through the charity’s JustGiving appeal.

The trust says every contribution, however large or small, will help give the vulnerable youngster a chance to grow strong and thrive.