RSPCA: Abused greyhound and ‘Santa Paws’ among those honoured at awards
Star-studded event organised by Daily Mirror and RSPCA
An abused greyhound who now helps other foster dogs and a RSPCA officer nicknamed ‘Santa Paws’ have been named animal heroes at an awards ceremony last night (Thursday, November 28).
The winners of the first ever Animal Hero Awards were announced at a star-studded and heart-warming evening at The Langham Hotel in London, hosted by TV star and animal lover Amanda Holden (pictured below with RSPCA Chief Inspectorate Officer Kevin Degenhard). The event was launched by The Daily Mirror in partnership with the RSPCA and celebrates tales of courageous pets and those that have overcome difficulties as well as outstanding individuals and businesses which have made a difference to animal welfare.
The RSPCA presented two of the awards. The winner of the first – Hero Animal of the Year – was Ellie the greyhound (pictured below). The ten-year-old former racing dog from Walsall in the West Midlands spent years living in a concrete kennel with little food or bedding, and was extremely emaciated and covered in fleas, pressure sores and infected burns caused by boiling water or fat when she was finally rescued.
She now spends every weekend fundraising for Greyhound Rescue West of England; helps newer foster dogs adjust to their lives post-rescue; and can even sense when an older dog is at the end of his or her life – and she will cuddle the dog during his or her final hours.
TV presenter Emma Crosby, who presented the award with the RSPCA, said: “Ellie was such a worthy winner – her story is a real tear jerker and she gives voice to what so many other greyhounds have to go through.
“What is so upsetting is the state she was in when the owners found her. The way she turned this around to become the caring animal she is today is a testament to those who rescued her as well as herself.”
Animal Collection Officer Derek Hampson won the RSPCA Superstar of the Year Award. He has worked for the organisation for more than 25 years and is well known in his native Liverpool for his commitment to animal welfare – dropping everything whenever there is a rescue to help out at or fundraising event to support.
Every Christmas he grows a beard, dresses up in red and white and goes to the animal centres as ‘Santa Paws’. Owners come from far and wide with their dogs for a Christmassy treat, donating to the charity for the pleasure.
RSPCA Chief Executive Gavin Grant said: “People like Derek are the life blood of the RSPCA. He is so committed and just never stops working.
“He not only works incredibly hard saving animals on the frontline in his day job, but more often than not ends spends his days off volunteering at a wildlife centre, taking his place in a water rescue team and raising funds for the charity too.
“It is a real pleasure to be able to recognise his hard work in this way and be a part of these very special awards.
“I am deeply moved by the all animal heroes’ stories. They show the amazing, positive power of animals in all our lives. They also tell of the wonderful work of everyone who helps rescue, heal and give loving homes to animals that have suffered at the hands of cruel people.”
The star-studded event also featured awards such as the Rescue Animal of the Year, the Young Animal Enthusiast of the Year, the Celebrity Animal Fan of the Year, The Innovation Award and the Responsible Business Award.
The awards were presented by a glittering line-up of celebrities with a passion for animals and their welfare such as McFly (who also performed); Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding; Ben Fogle;Brian May and Anita Dobson; Pussycat Dolls Kimberly Wyatt and Ashley Roberts; Helen Worth from Coronation Street; Deborah Meaden from Dragon’s Den and Strictly Come Dancing; Eastenders’actress Shona McGarty; TV presenters Kate Garraway and Ashleigh and Pudsey from Britains Got Talent.
The RSPCA’s ‘Everyday Heroes’ campaign aims to highlight the unimaginable dangers facing many animals and help support the brave charity workers who try to protect them.
The charity can only help thanks to donations from the public, so please give what you can. To help the RSPCA carry out this vital work like this text HERO to 60155 to give £3 (texts cost £3 + one standard network rate message).
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Notes for editors:
The full list of awards and their winners are available from the Daily Mirror events team. Please contact Chelsey Blake on 07917 636 826 or by email chelsey.blake@mgn.co.uk
For images, details of the two RSPCA winners, and opportunities for interview with them please contact the RSPCA press office on 0300 123 0244/0288 or email press@rspca.org.uk.
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