Tom Grennan backs RSPCA winter appeal
The RSPCA hopes the appeal will boost resources for rescue and rehoming work during the winter period, which it expects to be particularly challenging given the recent rise in calls
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The RSPCA has launched a winter fundraising appeal with support from singer-songwriter Tom Grennan as the charity reports sharp rises in animal abandonment and neglect. A 90-second Christmas film, set to Grennan’s single You Are Not Alone, aims to raise awareness of the pressures facing rescue services.
The video, filmed at the charity’s Brighton and Heart of Sussex branch, shows a man grieving the loss of his dog before forming a bond with a rescue animal. It comes as the RSPCA recorded a 23% rise in abandonment reports in the first ten months of 2025, alongside a 30% increase in reports of neglect.
Grennan, a mental health advocate who has had three UK number one albums, has lent his support to the Big Give Back to Animals appeal. He said: “I’m a passionate advocate for both mental well-being and animal welfare, so I’m really pleased and proud to support the RSPCA’s Winter Appeal with my song, You Are Not Alone.
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“Animals offer more than just companionship; they’re a vital source of light in dark times, they ease loneliness and are a beautiful source of comfort for so many of us which this film shows.”
The film features cocker spaniel Betty, who was rescued after being found living outside in poor conditions in the Chesterfield area. An investigation uncovered chronic ear infections and heavy matting that had led to dermatitis. She was rehabilitated at the RSPCA’s Chesterfield and North Derbyshire branch before being rehomed with Sara Howlett
The charity rehomed 26,167 animals in 2024. Superintendent Simon Osborne said officers were responding to more emergency cases as abandonments reached their highest level in six years. He said the new film highlighted the “life changing” bond between people and animals.
He said: “We want to get more animals like Betty away from situations of cruelty and neglect and into loving new homes.”
The RSPCA hopes the appeal will boost resources for rescue and rehoming work during the winter period, which it expects to be particularly challenging given the recent rise in calls.
