An ‘Animal Hero’ awards ceremony was held at The Langham Hotel in London last week, to recognise and celebrate courageous pets, individuals and businesses who have made a difference to animal welfare. The star-studded event, which took place on Thursday 28^th November was organised by Daily Mirror in Partnership with the RSPCA.

 

Awards were presented throughout the evening by celebrity guests, including Ben Fogle, Brian May and McFly, who also performed.

 

The RSPCA presented two awards. ‘Hero Animal of the Year’ was presented to a rescue racing greyhound called Ellie. Ten year old Ellie had spent years living in a concrete kennel with little food or bedding, where she became emaciated and flea-ridden. She now spends weekends helping to fundraise for Greyhound Rescue West of England, where she helps foster dogs to adjust to their lives post-rescue, and provides companionship to older dogs who are reaching the end of their lives.

 

Ellie’s award was presented by TV presenter Emma Crosby, who 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.”

 

The second, the ‘RSPCA Superstar of the Year Award’, was presented to Animal Collection Officer Derek Hampson. Having worked for the RSPCA for more than 25 years, Derek is well known for his commitment to animal welfare, whether helping out with rescues or supporting fundraising events. Every Christmas he grows a beard, dresses up in red and white and goes to the animal centres as ‘Santa Paws’, to raise money for the RSPCA.

 

RSPCA Chief Executive Gavin Grant said: I am deeply moved by all the 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.”