A SANQUHAR-BASED animal shelter is reminiscing on a special time in its history when it linked up with a family down south who had an important connection to the farm.

Twenty-four years ago, in 1997, Jack Moran, of Liverpool, trekked an incredible 230 miles from Anfield Stadium to Glenbuck to be at the unveiling of the Bill Shankly memorial which pays tribute to the former Liverpool FC manager and village native.

Raising money for St Joseph’s Hospice as he walked, Jack and his family met up with shelter owner Alison Shankly, her husband, Ian, who is Bill Shankly's nephew, and their late son, Clark, who had the honour of being presented with Jack’s Liverpool scarf.

Alison said it was “a proud and emotional moment for us all at the time and a lovely memory to cherish forever”.

Nineteen years later, in 2016, the stage was set for a touching reunion between the families, as Jack and his grandson, Shaun, gathered at Glenbuck for the second time alongside a team of cyclists who had ridden from Anfield to Glenbuck.

Cumnock Chronicle:

This time, they travelled up in pretty horrendous weather.

Alison said: “Nineteen years later and it was lovely to meet up once again with Jack and his grandson Shaun Moran."

More recently, the Moran family got back in touch to say they would like to sponsor one of the animals at Clark’s Little Ark and Jack the donkey was chosen.

Alison continued: “The family gave a very generous donation of £300 which will go a long way towards helping with Jack’s food and care.

“We are extremely grateful to to them and hope that the two Jacks can meet up in real life sometime – with the scarf, of course.”