A former Royal Marine-turned-animal rescuer in Afghanistan recalled the heartbreak of having to leave much of his staff behind following his escape from Kabul, according to a report.
Paul “Pen” Farthing evacuated the war-torn capital last week after the British Army helped him board a private plane.
“It is just so depressing I had to leave them behind,” the ex-commando told The Sun.
Paul “Pen” Farthing left Afghanistan last week. News Licensing / MEGA
Kabul Small Animal Rescue had raised thousands of dollars on a GoFundMe campaign. Facebook
Farthing had to leave many of his staff members at the rescue behind as he escaped potential danger. Facebook“Some of them came with me to the airport but they weren’t allowed to cross the line from Taliban to British control.”
The rescue flight took place after earlier plans to evacuate with the staff of his Nowzad charity and about 200 rescused animals were thwarted by Thursday’s suicide bombing outside Kabul airport.
The situation at the airport was changing “minute by minute,” according to tweets posted by Kabul Small Animal Rescue, which has raised nearly $500,000 in a GoFundMe aimed at evacuating its animals from the war-ravaged country.
“We are exhausted on 4th day of airport mayhem,” the group tweeted Saturday morning. “It has been difficult for all & we have had some success but have a long way to go and not much time. We remain hopeful in doing our best to move out the staff & animals. We are eternally grateful for all the help.”
