HELPING out at a family zoo has lifted the spirits so high for a mother of three that she has been able to stop her medication for depression.

Erika Cullen’s life was turned upside down 17 years ago when a tragic car accident left her then two-year-old daughter with a traumatic brain injury.

Giving up work to become a full-time carer for her severely disabled daughter Kira, now 19, Erika found herself feeling low and struggling to find the time to do things she wanted to do.

When Erika, from Hassocks, found some spare time to become a volunteer at Drusillas Park zoo near Alfriston it turned her life around.

Erika said: “I started volunteering at Drusillas in June and it has changed my life. Within a few weeks I felt happier, and I asked my doctor if I could come off my anti-depressants. I volunteer for one to two days per week and love educating the public and helping answer questions.”

“Volunteering at Drusillas is a great opportunity to work with animals which can brighten your mood. It’s great fun, peaceful and therapeutic - I really miss it when I’m not there.”

Volunteer Co-ordinator, Frankie Lawrence-Thompson said: “We are always looking for volunteers at Drusillas.

“You get full training so don’t need to know anything about the animals and no previous experience is necessary, a smile and good attitude are more important.”