Wetnose Awards for ‘Stars’ In Animal Rescue
At 3.30 pm on the 3rd March in Central London, there was a glorious array of Stars, but none shone brighter than those who were to receive the prestigious Wetnose Animal Awards. Fourteen animal rescue groups were to be honoured for their devotion and tireless effort in rescuing and protecting animal species by Wetnose Animal Aid with the assistance of a dazzling line up of celebrities. Three RAF service dogs with their 5 handlers were to receive a special award for bravery.
Wetnose Animal Aid International (the animal alternative to Red Nose) was launched 10 years ago by Andrea and Gavin Gamby-Boulger. Having run their own boarding and rescue centre for 12 years, they are well aware of the stresses and strains of trying to help and protect animals in need, and in their own words:
‘Some rescue work, especially abroad, is the most harrowing work imaginable and can be very upsetting and emotional. These caring people, who often put their own lives at risk, deserve more support and recognition’
The financial recession of 2008/2009 has hit the smaller animal rescue organisations hard. Donations have suffered a deep decline and there has been an increase of cruelty cases and strays. These groups struggle to keep going and it is only with the help of their supporters that they can continue their work in animal rescue.
Jenny Seagrove made a special plea on behalf of Sara Tuppen of the Horse Refuge Sanctuary:
“I know for a fact that this lady has had little more than two nights sleep in her own bed over the past few weeks. The refuge has been given a six week eviction order and is due for closure unless they receive help very soon.”
Wendy Turner did an exceptional job in hosting the award ceremony and as did Ingrid Tarrant who was there to present an award and interview the guests as they arrived.
Listed below are the 2010 Wetnose Animal Aid Award Winners and presenters of the individual awards:
- Safe Haven for Donkeys in Israel award presented by Right Honourable MP, Anne Widdicombe to Lucy Fensum
- Sussex Paws Rescue award presented by Roger Mugford to Stacey McSpirit and Sheila who have been rescuing animals for 32 years
- Animals at Risk award presented by Lorraine Chase to Maggie and Peter Morrison
- Willows Animal Sanctuary award presented by Russell Floyd and Gary Webster to Kate Robinson. Watch the youtube video filmed at Willows.
- Tower Hill Stables Animal Sanctuary award presented by Nicola Duffett to Fiona Oakes, who is a keen runner covering 100 miles a week and has also, entered the London Marathon.
- Animals in Need (animal casualties, domestic and wildlife) Northampton awarded presented by Lester Middlehurst to Roy Marriot.
- Dartmoor Pony Training Centre ‘Best Training Workshop’ award presented by John Altman to Natalie Torr
- Farm Animal Sanctuary, Worcester the award was to be presented by Joanna Lumley who was unable to be there but sent a very charming message in her absence. However Susan Jameson stepped in to present the award to Jan Taylor.
- Pussycat Lodge in Brentwood award presented by Gary Webster and Ingrid Tarrant to Jacqui Duly
- Home and Away Animal Welfare (Sri Lanka) award presented by Sylvia Tidy-Harris to Janice Down
- Borneo Orangutans Survival welfare achievement award presented by Nick Knowles to Grainne McEntee
- Elephants for Africa conservation achievement awarded presented by Caroline Langrishe to Nick Knowles on behalf of Dr Kate Evans
- Animal Kingdom in Philippines (who are responsible for stopping illegal slaughter of dogs over there) award presented by Clarissa Baldwin CEO of the Dogs Trust to owner of “Sweet” Charles Wartenburg.
- The Horse Refuge Sanctuary (home to Europe’s tallest Shire Duke) and facing a 6 week eviction order if £500,000 cannot be raised. The award presented by Jenny Seagrove to Sara Tuppen
- RAF service dogs, Billie, the Springer spaniel working in arms and explosives and recently returned from Iraq, Kubo the German shepherd who originated from the Czech republic working as a police dog, Duke spaniel X working in vehicle search and their 5 proud handlers received the Special Award for bravery.
At the close of the ceremony London Dog Forum had the pleasure of meeting gorgeous Max, a Gordon setter belonging to DJ David Hamilton, a long time supporter of Wetnose who has now been included on our list of celebrity dog lovers.
Finally a big thank you must go to Gavin and Andrea Gamby-Boulger, the founders of Wetnose International Animal Aid, who had the foresight to recognise the need for supporting these animal rescue groups and to give them the recognition they deserve.
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