A Leicester charity trustee who has dedicated her life to the care and well-being of animals has collected a special recognition award from the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH) after being nominated by her colleagues at Leicester Animal Aid.
Anne Martin, described by colleagues as “a humble, compassionate and unselfish individual who has worked tirelessly as a volunteer and a Trustee for over 18 years” was honoured at the Petplan and ADCH Animal Charity Awards on Wednesday night, held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole.
The Special Recognition Award is awarded to someone who really shows an extraordinary dedication through long service, and has helped transform a rescue or re-homing organisation.
An expert panel representing ADCH member groups chose Anne from many nominations across the sector.
Anne joined Leicester Animal Aid as a volunteer over 18 years ago following retirement and became a Trustee for the charity in 2000. She became assistant chair in 2002 and has been the chair since 2006.
During that time she has successfully managed a team of loyal and dedicated volunteers who have generated on average £55,000 each year through the charity’s shop, fundraising stalls at events, regular supermarket collection days, and annual Christmas Bazaar.
Claire Horton, ADCH chairman, led her fellow judges in praise for Anne: “Selecting just one individual to pick up this accolade is no easy thing, with so many individuals working and volunteering tirelessly for animal rescue and re-homing centres.
“Anne bowled us over with her can do attitude and her huge dedication to both her team and the animals in her care.
“Her passion for her work shone through, and her colleagues were full of praise for a determined, committed, inspirational leader who has put her heart and soul into caring for Leicester’s unwanted and abandoned dogs and cats.”
