Volunteers from a local Sussex animal charity have been nominated for a national animal welfare award.
The British Animal Honours 2013 is a brand new ITV event celebrating the achievements of the country's most extraordinary animals and the people who work with them. East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (WRAS) has been nominated for the Local Animal Charity of the Year Award.
Filmed in front of a live audience and hosted by Paul O'Grady, the show is inspired by the UK's unwavering connection with animals. They protect us in war zones, keep our borders safe and allow the disabled to live independently. Some give us national glory in sporting events while others are the showbiz scene-stealers that make us laugh and cry in movies, on TV and online.
From the brave and heroic to the funny and downright adorable, we are a nation of animal lovers and our animal charities, volunteers and welfare protection agencies are influential at local, national and even international level - and these too will be honoured on the night.
The event will reward animals in categories that cover military service and bravery as well as conservation and therapy - with the majority of nominees suggested by the public and ultimately chosen as winners by a 30-strong jury made up of animal experts, charities and celebrities. The Internet Star Award will be chosen by the public via a vote on www.itv.com/britishanimalhonours.
The ceremony will also feature some very special one off performances. Audiences will be treated to a choreographic set piece from theatrical spectacular War Horse, a dancing dog troupe led by Kennel Club trainer Gina Pink, and a showcase from the South Wales Police Dog section, demonstrating their elite training in skill and agility.
Representing the charity will be Trevor Weeks MBE who is WRAS's founder along with his partner and WRAS's Volunteer Co-ordinator Kathy Martyn as well as WRAS's Assistant Casualty Care Centre Managers Kate Cuddis and Lindsay Redfern. A number of WRAS volunteers will also be attending the event in the audience too.
"We are very excited and amazed to even be nominated" said Kathy Martyn, "it sound like it is going to be a great evening and I'll be very proud of all our volunteers if we win, they have worked so hard and really deserve this honour."
"I'm quite nervous about going, I've not been to an event like this before," said Kate Cuddis,"the last couple of years has been tough, with the economic climate, and we have had to become even more cost effective than we were, to ensure we can continue helping as many casualties as possible, volunteers and donors have been brilliant at supporting us and keeping us moving onwards and upwards."
"I am so touched that people have nominated us for this award, it's amazing that we have been shortlisted, when you look at how many individuals and organisations there are across the country, and the amazing work they do I am really surprised that we made it onto the shortlist" said Trevor Weeks MBE, "millions of animals are put to sleep every year because there are not enough people and funds available to help the sheer volume of casualties across the country. I hope this programme inspires more people to get involved in animal welfare and to donate to these good causes."
The programme will be filmed at the Elstree Studios, Borehamwood on Thursday 11th April. The transmission date is Thursday 18th April 2013 between 8-10pm.
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Press Contact:
Trevor Weeks MBE - East Sussex WRAS: 07931 523958
