BANGOR animal-charity Rosie’s Trust has won a national award for its ‘remarkable work’ caring for pets and their owners in the most difficult of times.
Founded in 2015 by Bronagh O’Neill, the charity aims to keep together pets and their owners who are terminally ill, cancer patients and older people living with a disability,
The local charity was thrilled to be awarded the prestigious title of Team of the Year in the Petplan and Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH) Animal Charity Awards 2022.
The winners were announced at a celebratory lunch hosted by comedian and TV presenter Zoe Lyons in London, the first in-person awards ceremony since 2019.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the awards recognise the remarkable work carried out by animal charities and not-for-profit organisations across the UK, Ireland and Channel Islands who have gone the extra mile to help animals in need.
Rosie’s Trust recognises the strong bond shared between pets and their owners and how this precious relationship can be threatened by an owner’s cancer diagnosis or declining health.
The Bangor animal charity understands the depths of this important bond and thanks to the help of their trained volunteers, aim to support the relationship as long as they are needed.
Volunteers are on hand for daily visits and fosterers are there to look after the pet when their owner needs to avail of hospital or hospice care. In the event of the owner’s passing, they will ensure their pet finds a forever home.
Hilary Idzikowska, from Rosie’s Trust, was thrilled to receive the award, saying: “It feels totally amazing to win this award, its overwhelming and I’m just thrilled for the team, I can’t wait to tell them back in Northern Ireland what they have done and how they have been recognised.
“Winning this award will be a huge boost to the original founder, her whole concept, the way she has built her team, the way the centre has expanded, the way the volunteers rally round to deliver the service that we do.
“It endorses the charity, plus the support and also the networking opportunities it has brought, working with other charities, we can exponentially grow and deliver more and help more dogs and keep them with their owners.”
Bella von Mesterhazy, Petplan’s marketing head, said: “I’d like to congratulate all of the incredible finalists and winners who were able to finally celebrate with us in person at this year’s Petplan & ADCH Animal Charity Awards, after two challenging years faced by all due to Covid-19.
“The awards recognise the hard work and dedication of the volunteers, employees and teams who have played a vital role in improving the welfare of vulnerable animals.
“Both winners and nominees should be very proud of their achievement.
“The animal charity sector relies on the dedication of every single person involved to continue to provide care to animals of all kinds – without their passion, many organisations simply could not continue the amazing work they do.”
