Friends rally round to help injured and bereaved Corby dog owner pay urgent vets bill

A man from Corby who shattered his leg falling off his bike just 19 days before his father died in a road traffic incident has thanked people for their kindness helping to pay for his beloved pet dog companion's life-saving medical treatment.

On Easter Sunday, April 12, Tony Clenaghan fell off his mountain bike resulting in multiple breaks and an open fracture to his lower leg.

Staff at Kettering General Hospital told him that his leg might need amputating and was sent for specialist treatment at University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire.

Tony, 49, said: "Both my tibia and fibula were broken nine times and the bone went through the skin. I was blue lighted all the way to Coventry where they did a massive op.

"I've got a rod and 10 screws and they did a skin graft. It looked like a leg of lamb."

After 11 days in hospital, Tony, who was the main carer for his parents, Billy, 79, and Isobell, 76, returned to his Hazel Leys home.

It was whilst he was convalescing at home on May 1, that he heard sirens nearby but thought nothing of it until one of his sisters called him.

Tony said: "I was sitting at home and heard some sirens. My sister called me and said you need to get dressed. She picked me up and as we drove closer we could see there had been an accident. A lady in Morrisons that knows us had called to say we'd better get down there because dad had been involved in an accident."

Father-of-three Billy Clenaghan had died after his mobility scooter was hit by a car at a pelican crossing in Oakley Road.

Tony said: "The last thing he said to me about half-an-hour before the accident was 'I love you' - he shouted it in the background when I was on the phone to my mum.

"He was quite a character. He'd been disabled since he had been knocked off his bike in 1976. He'd just finished a double shift at the steel works when a lorry knocked him 40 feet in the air.

"Kettering General Hospital saved his life. He had a fractured skull and broke his left elbow and left leg really badly. He never worked again but he loved bowling and darts."

The family clubbed together to pay for the funeral which could only be attended by 12 people due to Covid restrictions.

This week, Tony suffered a further blow when his beloved pet rescue pug Peppa was diagnosed with pyometra - a life-threatening infection of the womb.

Tony had wanted to get a small dog to 'force' himself out of the house after being diagnosed with Aperger's and ADHD.

A friend had rescued Peppa from a puppy farm where she had been used as a breeder.

He said: "I got a dog to force myself out. She's great for my mental health. I can't believe how much a little dog has changed me.

"She's changed my world. We would go out three times a day on little adventures.

"I was going to book her in to get her spayed in April but lockdown happened and then I had my accident and then my dad died.

"If she doesn't have the op she will die. I'm broke and desperate so a friend said she would start up a funding page because I'm just too embarrassed to do it."

"I only need the money for Peppa and any money that is left over I will give to Lainy's Rescue who do so much to help animals."

Sam O'dell who has set up the Facebook funding page for Peppa wrote: "Since Tony has given her a forever home, she has blossomed into a beautiful, loving, outgoing fur baby. Peppa is very poorly and needs urgent surgery.

"As a good friend of Tony, I know how much he loves Peppa. He is distressed that she is in pain, and she will most certainly die if she does not have the treatment.

"He has tried to reduce the bill: he has contacted animal charities to help with funding; he has even tried to see a different vet to lower the price, but to no avail.

"I understand that in the current economic climate many people are also experiencing financial difficulty.

"But, if we could all just chip in a small amount to help with Peppa's treatment, Tony would be extremely grateful for any help given."

Tony has managed to pay for the antibiotics for Peppa but the operation will need to take place as soon as possible.

Northlands Veterinary Group have estimated the operation will cost £855.39 with the page hoping to raise £1,000 to cover all costs.

After three days the total has reached £539.

Tony added: "It's been a horrible year but it gives you hope when people show such kindness. People can be kind. I've been in tears - it's been quite moving how people want to help Peppa. I would like to thank everyone for their generosity."

Click here to donate to Peppa Pug's appeal .

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