A Brief History of LCH

From small beginnings and big dreams

Last Chance Hotel was founded in 2011 by a group of dedicated animal lovers with Sam B'Stard at its heart. Sam's commitment to the welfare of all creatures great and small was the driving force in building LCH's reputation as a domestic animal rescue, giving the chance of a happy life to countless animals, including cats, ponies, small rodents and many hundreds of dogs previously doomed to either an uncertain future or no future at all.

Henry was a poundie, 3 years old and disabled. He is in permanent foster with a family who love him.

Sam and a travelling companion would journey the length and breadth of the UK to bring dogs from council pounds and other places into the safety of LCH. Of the poundies, almost all were knocking at the door of death after serving their statutory seven days; if a dog is not claimed by its owner, rehomed, or taken by a rescue, euthanasia is the inevitable result.
Dogs that were in a bad way physically, or had behavioural issues, were never overlooked by Sam. In fact, she went out of her way to take the ones who needed extra TLC. Sam never gave up on any animal that came into the care of Last Chance Hotel. Some dogs could never be rehomed, and now reside at the Sanctuary, completely transformed by the love, care and patience they have been shown over the years.

All these beautiful souls, and many more besides, came under the wing of LCH in 2017 alone

The opening in December 2016 of the LCH Hub Shop in Redruth town centre added immensely to the increasing awareness of our work, as well as contributing to the charity’s income. And in the nick of time, because 2017 turned into one of the worst years yet for animal rescues up and down the country. LCH took in over 350 animals, a 50% increase on the previous year. It was a rollercoaster year of emotions; but more heartache was to follow.

After many false starts, Sam's dream to build an animal sanctuary was finally realised in 2018. LCH secured a 10 year lease from Tregothnan Estates for High View Farm, Chacewater, near Truro. The farmhouse was in a dilapidated state and required extensive renovations by the landlord which took much longer than expected, but Sam and Dave finally took up residence later that year. The sanctuary provides the perfect refuge for animals of many kinds, including horses and ponies, goats, sheep, geese and ducks. Most of these are permanent residents; some have experienced abuse in the past, and others simply had nowhere else to go. In addition, High View Farm became the only Cornish centre for bat rescue and rehab, and the team quickly took on the responsibility of caring for other forms of wildlife.

Less than 18 months into fulfilling her dream, Sam was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She found solace in her beloved huge polytunnel, growing produce for the Sanctuary residents, both human and animal. A professional film crew had been following the story of the Sanctuary development and produced several videos for social media which can be viewed either here on the website or on the LCH Sanctuary Facebook page. Sam’s courage and pragmatism shines through in all of them.

COVID-19 was already in full destructive flow, creating havoc and despair, and, like many other charities, Last Chance Hotel came under tremendous financial pressure as fundraising events came to a complete standstill, rehoming plummeted and the Hub Shop was forced to close its doors. Through this hard, relentless period, the LCH team continued to play a part in alleviating hardship and stress in the local community, as well as providing care and rehabilitation to Sanctuary inmates.

In March 2021, Sam passed away peacefully at the age of 53, surrounded by those who loved her. Her dearest wish was for the LCH team to continue her work and ensure the charity lived on to help those in need. LCH remains totally committed to working hard to assist and protect domestic animals, not only in Cornwall, but also further afield when the cry for help reaches our ears. Dave and the Sanctuary team are as dedicated as ever to the care of its residents and incoming wildlife.

Our Present, circa 2022

Last Chance Hotel relies on a network of dedicated fosterers to provide the all important home environment and rehabilitation process for incoming domestic pets. Two key team members foster cats and small mammals in addition to their LCH duties and full time jobs. Many of our unpaid volunteers juggle their charity work around other commitments of job and family. No LCH worker takes a salary, yet running costs are high and never ending; the LCH vet bill is by far the biggest expenditure, because more often than not we take on animals that need costly medical attention.

Throughout the year we hold Fun Dog Shows (two so far in 2022) and other events to raise much needed funds. All profit from ‘Sit Happens’ dog training at High View Farm and Crofthandy Village Hall comes to LCH. The Last Chance Hotel Hub Shop in Redruth has returned to a new normal, selling a variety of new and preloved goods at realistic and affordable prices. Loyal supporters hold auctions, sponsored events, raffles, quiz nights and many other fundraisers—all vital contributions towards maintaining the charity's sustainability.

LCH could not remain at the forefront of rescue without the skills of our volunteers and the continued support of animal lovers like you

As an 'all animal' rescue, LCH's mission is not only to help protect domestic animals, but also wildlife. Our experienced Sanctuary team are kept busy answering calls for help, liaising with other wildlife rescues, and rehabilitating a variety of birds and mammals. A new, independent bat rescue works on site at High View Farm.

In the current climate of environmental awareness, LCH is proud to be dedicated, as always, to the protection of the environment. As custodians of 24 acres of neglected farmland, we are committed to bringing our safe haven back to life organically, with characteristic care and empathy. Beneficial insects are encouraged and ragwort is cleared by hand.

High View Farm is blossoming, and with your help, its best years are yet to come

Our Future

'Our mission is to rescue; our dream is that one day we won't have to.' Last Chance Hotel intends to rescue, rehabilitate, rehome and protect for as long as we are needed. But like any charity, funding is crucial to our survival. Donations, grants and legacies enable us to keep going, and we are grateful for the kindness and generosity of our supporters and the public in general.

How Can You Help?

Foster an animal
Fundraise for us
Donate to our Hub Shop
Help us with our vet bills
Share our social media posts
Attend our Fun Dog Shows
Sponsor our Sanctuary work
Volunteer your services or time

Thank you for reading

Last Chance Hotel Registered charity no: 1157684