Animal lover

At an early age, I began to develop a deep care for animals which later led to me become passionate about issues concerning their welfare. I grew up in a home where we all had a huge love for all animals which meant that rescuing and rehabilitating animals became a regular occurrence. My parents and siblings, without exception, were committed to rehoming, looking after and loving the animals that came into our care. My brother spent thirty-two years as a firefighter, during which time he rescued many animals saving them from some very terrifying, dangerous and life-threatening situations. For this reason, he is an inspiration to me for always being tremendously brave and wonderfully caring.

Many advocates for animals around the world are selfless in their mission to support, save, rescue, care for and love all animals. The lengths they go to are what help to secure the safety, freedom and future of a great deal of animals that would otherwise meet much less happier ends. Animals are abused, hoarded, tested on and unethically slaughtered worldwide. Yet with the help of organisations such as RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), PETA (People for the Ethical Treatments of Animals), Cruelty Free International and Animal Aid, many animal rights would not be protected. Each year there are over 900 million animals killed for food in the UK alone and over 130,000 complaints were made to the RSPCA on cases of animal cruelty and neglect last year.

My greatest inspiration has always come from the ANIMALS who survive. The ones who find a way to live despite everything they have to endure. These creatures continue to be unconditionally forgiving of the cruel, materialistic and throw away human race. This is the true circle of life that is keeping our world turning. My hope is that the future generations will learn to respect, support and live in harmony with all the beautiful, amazing creatures that inhabit it. This is the only way we will be able to sustain the human race.

(Frances and I worked together for many years and I was always so impressed by her compassion for animals, dogs and cats in particular. I remember her home always being a place of refuge for these animals, whilst she made every attempt to find them loving homes.)