Your Story Matters

  This heart-warming feature was published in My Weekly magazine in February 2020, reaching readers across the UK.  Briony Smith has devoted her life to Making A Difference to the planet by saving endangered big cats   Little Heroes, Koshi and Khumbu Melt Hearts and Bring Hope    Two adorable snow leopard cubs have a big destiny. When they grow up they will help protect this vulnerable species.   Beautiful brothers, Khumbu and Koshi were born nine months ago at The Big Cat Sanctuary in the heart of the Kent countryside.   The cubs were born to fiercely protective mum, Laila and laid-back dad, Yarko after four years of desperately trying to breed from the precious pair.     Head Keeper, Briony Smith, 35, explains that Laila and Yarko came to the sanctuary as part of the European Endangered Species Programme. Devoted keepers and staff were jubilant when Laila finally got pregnant last year. This is the first time snow leopard cubs have bee...

  Kimona Ward at 34 is living proof that a criminal record does not have to stigmatise you for life. Her inspirational success after doing time for drug dealing is a true story of redemption.   Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Kimona grew up independent and resilient.   She had to be strong. Abandoned by her parents as a baby at the tender age of one, she was left in the care of her kind-hearted grandmother in a sprawling house filled with aunts and uncles, her stepfather, two older brothers and an abundance of boisterous cousins.   Little Kim cultivated a tough protective layer and insulated her vulnerability when pinned down and punched, kicked and bitten by the other kids or when an uncle flew into a hateful rage and beat her.   She recalls: “Another uncle verbally abused me, saying I wouldn't turn out to be anything because my parents left me. But I didn't let his taunts sink in. I’ve always been headstrong and mature beyond my years. I never let anyone...