September 16, 2004

YORKSHIRE ANIMAL STAR PRESENTED WITH TOP AWARD AT HOUSE OF LORDS

Yorkshire animal welfare star Jean Thirkill has received a top award at the House of Lords from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW – www.ifaw.org ) for her work for wildlife. Jean, 51, originally from Ilkley, Yorkshire, won the ‘International Animal Welfare Award’ in IFAW’s ‘Animal Action Awards 2004’ in recognition of her work in Turkey where she now lives.

The awards are part of IFAW’s Animal Action Week campaign, which is supported by the Discovery Animal Planet Channel and is run in 12 countries around the world. This year eight awards were presented in the UK. The prestigious awards ceremony was held in the Attlee Room in the Lords and hosted by Baroness Gale. Among the guests of honour were Animal Planet TV presenter Shauna Lowry and actress Lisa Barbuscia, who played Hugh Grant’s American girlfriend in Bridget Jones Diary.

Phyllis Campbell-McRae, IFAW’s UK Director, said: “Jean has done a wonderful job for the animals and is a shining example to all of us. She thoroughly deserves this award.”

Baroness Gale added: “Jean is a real animal welfare star and I am delighted that her work has been recognised by this important award.”

Jean received a record 109 nominations for the award because of her work with street cats in Marmaris, Turkey. She has devoted the last decade to her work and in 1999 opened a shelter, which is now home to 240 cats, although as many as possible are re-homed. Vets in Marmaris help with free treatment and Jean is now working to raise £30,000 to fund a new shelter.

Jean said of her award: “This is a very emotional moment for me.”

Anyone interested in participating in IFAW Animal Action Week (October 3-10) can get a free pack and wall calendar: tel 01634 830888; email animalactionweek@ifaw.org ; or write to: IFAW Animal Action Week Office, 186 High Street, Rochester, Kent ME1 1EY.



This web site is donated by 4S Company ltd. - Marmaris www.marmarisinfo.com