An abandoned dog who inspired a fund raising mission that made £8,000 in a week has been chosen as the face of Go Fund Me.

Cambs Times: Wanda the cocker spaniel was rescued by Ravenswood Pet RescueWanda the cocker spaniel was rescued by Ravenswood Pet Rescue (Image: Archant)

Wanda has been chosen for a national campaign to show how a simple kind deed can have a far-reaching and long-lasting impact.

A GoFundMe spokesman said: “Donors give their money to complete strangers without expecting anything in return - now, it’s time to thank those people.”

In April 2017, Wanda was found after being abandoned and thrown over a fence. She had recently had puppies, was seriously ill, and was suffering from a skin disease.

Shelley Ridgeon, who works for Ravenswood Pet Rescue, set up a GoFundMe page to fund the costs of nursing her back to health.

The page was initially set up with the intention of raising £3,000 – but thanks to the generosity of people, the page raised more than £8,000 in its first week from people living across Britain.

As part of its ‘Thank You’ campaign, GoFundMe arranged a surprise meeting to bring two donors, Sarah Porter and Donna Preston, to meet Wanda.

Shelley Ridgeon said: “Wanda’s condition was the worst that any of us have ever seen, and the worst that the vet had seen in 25 years.

“She had sarcoptic mange, she had bacterial infections in her eyes and ears, and in her skin.

“We generally thought that she wasn’t going to make it.

“The GoFundMe page just went crazy – people were donating so much money, hundreds by the hour. The money raised is going to help us to give Wanda a safe and secure future.”

One of the donors Donna Preston, said: “I couldn’t believe the difference in Wanda when I got to meet her. She was like a totally different dog.

“It was so great to see where my money was going and that it had made a real difference, just with a few clicks of a mouse. I never thought I’d get the chance to see Wanda face to face.”

Wanda’s owner, Gail Arnold, said: “Wanda is a lovely dog, so friendly, lovable and – most importantly – healthy.

“It’s amazing that she has been transformed by the generous donations from strangers across the UK.

“I am so inspired by how British people come together to help out those in need, without expecting anything in return.”