Meet The Team

The Team

Tammie

Tammie Hesmondhalgh

I started volunteering at Animal Rescue Cumbria in January 2014 with my partner Jason. We wanted a change from the stress of everyday life, and to feel like we were giving something back to our local community. We both have a love of animals so it seemed the perfect choice!

I was lucky enough to join the staff team in April 2015 working with the animals.

In August 2021 I started to help with some shifts in our new Preloved for Pets shop in Kendal, which led onto me taking on the Shop Manager role in January 2022, while still completing one shift a week with the animals at Shelter.

I love the challenges that have come with my new role, especially expanding and developing to maximise income which in turn helps all the animals that pass through our care.

The Shelter is the busiest I have personally ever known it, and I truly feel honoured to be part of such a passionate team of both volunteers and staff, making a difference to hundreds of animals lives each year.

Laura

Laura Clements

I have enjoyed being part of the team here for many years, joining in 2010-2017 before taking time to be a mum. I was fortunate enough to regain a position in 2022, and watching the rescue grow and develop has been inspiring. I love working with animals and people, and in rescue no two days are the same. Working alongside such a devoted team of staff and volunteers gives you a real sense of belonging and drive. The most rewarding part of the job I feel is when you make a connection with an animal who really needs you, then you follow their journey into their new homes, receiving updates from their new lives – there is really nothing like it!

Jen

Jen Hesmondhalgh

I have always had a deep love and passion for animals and wildlife. My journey in animal care began at a small zoo in the South Lakes, where I started my career. Over the years, I owned and operated a successful boarding kennel business for 22 years, which I eventually sold in 2020. Currently, I devote my time to working part-time for Animal Rescue Cumbria, continuing my commitment to animal welfare.

Growing up surrounded by our family cats, I developed a strong connection to pets from an early age. In 1988, I had the opportunity to visit Kappellan, where I was introduced to Betty and Alfred Wainwright by Ruth. Their passion for animal rescue had a lasting impact on me, and today, I am proud to be a part of the legacy they built.

Each experience has shaped my journey in animal care, and I am grateful for the opportunities to make a difference in the lives of animals!

Chelsea

Chelsea Gorse

I have always been passionate about animals for as long as I can remember!

I first started volunteering here back in 2016 helping out with the cats. I joined this fantastic team in May 2021 which I’m very proud to be a part of!

It’s so rewarding to care for these animals and find their new families. I especially love hearing about updates on how they’re getting on!

Lauren

Lauren Wade

I first started at Animal Rescue Cumbria in 2014, at the age of 14, whilst volunteering for my Duke of Edinburgh Award. Later, I returned to take on a Saturday job while studying Level 3 Animal Management at Myerscough College, and then became a permanent member of the Animal Care Team.

I have recently completed my Level 2 Dog Grooming qualification, allowing me to provide grooming for our rescue dogs. This is a very rewarding part of the job as it enables me to improve the dogs’ welfare and make them feel their best. I love to pamper the dogs when they come into our care and also to advise new owners on maintaining their new family member’s coat.

My favourite part of the job is seeing the dogs through their rehoming journey and receiving the forever home updates.

Jane

Jane Meese

I have been the Admin Assistant at Animal Rescue Cumbria since August 2021 and can honestly say that it has been the happiest and most fulfilling time of my working life. You are inspired to go to the Shelter every day, being part of such a great team, knowing you are helping to make a difference to the lives of the animals who come into our care.

Sanchia

Sanchia Cadinha

I started volunteering at Animal Rescue Cumbria in 2019 then became part of the team in 2021. I’ve always loved being around animals and volunteering made me realise how much I wanted to help animals in need. Just spending time with the cats and dogs at the shelter improves the mood and well-being of everyone involved. The best part about the job is seeing the animals gain confidence and being happy in their new homes.

Marion

Marion Yates

After serving Animal Rescue Cumbria for 3 years as a Trustee, the opportunity arose to become more involved as Interim General Manager, alongside my work as a dog behaviourist. I am proud to serve as part of this small and dedicated team and never cease to be amazed by the contribution of all those in our community who support the Charity so generously and enable our vital work to continue.

Ruth

Ruth McGill

I first joined Animal Rescue in 1986 and had the pleasure of working for Alfred and Betty Wainwright and for John and Dorothy Estensen. I recall how on Friday mornings Betty and I used to go into Kendal and collect the waste from filleting fish at the local chip shop and bones from the butchers. The bones were given to the dogs and we’d boil the fish in a pan in the kitchen as a treat for the cats.

Present day and things are very different: animal days are centred on enrichment and training. It’s so rewarding seeing the transition in our animals from intake to adoption. We also have an excellent band of volunteers without whom we wouldn’t be able to help the volume of animals now needing our care.

I feel proud to be a part of a Charity that has such high standards and goes the extra mile for the animals in its care.

Ellie

Ellie Jackson

I’ve had a passion for animals since a young age being raised on the family farm. I started volunteering at Animal Rescue Cumbria in 2018, and then became a part of the staff team in 2019. It’s very rewarding seeing how the animals progress, but the best part is definitely getting the updates of them happy and settled in their new homes!

Sarah

Sarah Stephenson

I started working in the Preloved for Pets shop in October 2022 as a Shop Assistant. I enjoy meeting customers and their pets everyday and also ex-residents from the Shelter. Each day is always busy and varied, from pricing donations, to helping customers try on harnesses/coats, to advising on treats/dog food, etc. I feel like we make a big contribution to the Shelter too, as all the profits from the shop go to help the cats and dogs being rehomed. I love dogs and have always been involved in either grooming, training and previously hydrotherapy.

Meet The Team

Meet The Team

Meet The Team

The Team

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