Rotherham-based animal rescue centre celebrates a milestone birthday

July 2020 marks 18 years since founder Jacquie Neilson took in her first stray and Rain Rescue in Rotherham was born.

But this birthday in particular is bittersweet. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the charity doesn't know if it will survive to see another birthday.

Jacquie explained: “2020 has been Rain Rescue’s toughest year yet. The Coronavirus pandemic has turned everything on its head. No adoptions were allowed until very recently. No fundraising events have been held. Our supporters have been our lifeline throughout all of this, but the str uggle is far from over.”

Like everyone, Rain Rescue have had to find new ways to carry out their vital work, and over the last three months they have saved over 80 animals, including many mummy cats and kittens from the streets, pets whose owners who have sadly passed away from COVID-19, as well as rescuing 9 ex-racing greyhounds.

Last month saw the team’s spirits lifted, when the charity celebrated winning the PetPlan and ADCH award for Animal Charity Team of the Year.

But as the lockdown is eased, Rain Rescue are hard at work, preparing to take in even more animals in need, as people (and their pets) inevitably begin to face new hardships such as job losses and evictions.

Jacquie added: “Over the last 18 years, I have seen our amazing charity grow from a one-woman rescue into a still small but mighty team of passionate people doing all they can to save vulnerable animals. I have seen the joy of adopted pets as they head to loving homes. But every day there is another desperate animal needing our help.

“We need support right now to ensure that Rain Rescue can continue to be here for another 18 years and beyond. Your help is needed right now to help us continue saving the lives of homeless and abandoned dogs and cats.”

To help Rain Rescue survive, you can make a donation at www.rainrescue.co.uk/donate

*50 will keep an abandoned animal safe, warm and sheltered for 5 nights.

*£25 will feed a rescue dog for a whole month.

*£ 10 will buy each cat their own bed and scratching post.

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