Testimonials

Jack Mote

Animal Welfare Assistant

What did you want to be when you grew up and why?
I’ve been fascinated by animals and nature from a very young age. I initially had dreams of becoming a Zoo Keeper, however as I got older and I became more aware of the positive impact that companion animals have on wellbeing and lifestyle of people, I became more interested in a pursuing a career in the companion animal field. My particular area of interest is the relationships between dogs and their human counterparts. It is this fascination that led me to Blue Cross, and to my becoming a volunteer at the age of 14. 11 years and one degree later, I am now a full time Animal Welfare Assistant (AWA) and thriving as part of Blue Cross.


If you didn’t have this role at Blue Cross, which role would you like and why?
I am keen to move up the Blue Cross ladder and would next like to rise to supervisor level, when the opportunity arises. Whilst I enjoy my current AWA role, I feel I would be able to help more animals and in turn, help more people from a supervisory level.

Give us three words to explain how you feel about working for Blue Cross
Proud, passionate, honoured

Sarah Henson

Shop Manager

What is the funniest story you have heard of whilst working at Blue Cross?
My story happened 2 years ago. I was eating my lunch on a bench by the Church in the town centre when I realised that I had lost my glasses. I searched the area twice over but could not find them anywhere. Two weeks later I was sorting bags in the stockroom and I tipped open a bag and my glasses fell out. The bag had been donated by a regular donor, so I rang her and she told me she found the glasses and luckily for me put them in a bag of donations for my shop. Not sure that’s a funny story but it is a coincidence because she could have donated to any of 13 charity shops. Lucky for me it was mine!

If you could have a super power, what would it be and how would you use it at Blue Cross?
If I had a super power it would be to split myself in half so I could be in 2 places at once!


What piece of advice would you give to someone joining Blue Cross?
Don’t hesitate! It’s a great place to work, feels like one big family and there are always people on hand to support you.

Shelley van der Berg

Applications Support Manager

If you didn’t have this role at Blue Cross, which role would you like and why?
I would probably be a Vet Nurse… I think it would be a tough but rewarding role, helping to make a difference to the animals in our care.


If you could have a super power, what would it be and how would you use it at Blue Cross?
I’d opt for the ability to speak to animals, that way I could understand their needs and how to better care for them as a Vet Nurse (the other role I would like!).

Give us three words to explain how you feel about working for Blue Cross
Privileged, Proud, Inspired

Neil Edwards

Centre Manager

What did you want to be when you grew up and why?
I always wanted to work with animals which was quite strange as we didn’t have any animals when growing up and my dad didn’t really like them. I think it was visiting my uncle who had lovely big Labrador and we would play with him in the woods with my cousins.

What piece of advice would you give to someone joining Blue Cross?
Don’t be afraid of getting your hands dirty and to learn every job going so understand how the Blue Cross works.

If you could have a super power, what would it be and how would you use it at Blue Cross?
Be able to talk to the animals – that way would make it easier to re home and even prevent animals coming into the Blue Cross.

Charlotte Hailstones

Veterinary Nurse

If you didn’t have this role at Blue Cross, which role would you like and why?
If I wasn’t a Veterinary Nurse and had the chance to explore another role within the charity it would be to work with the behaviour team rehabilitating animals before going out to their new homes. I love learning about feline behaviour and after achieving a certificate in feline behaviour with the International Society of Feline Medicine last year, I have been passionate about making changes within the hospital for my feline patients, I think it would be so rewarding to help the cats that are looking for their forever homes to have the best chance at a successful and happy rehoming.

Give us three words to explain how you feel about working for Blue Cross:

• Passionate (because I’m passionate about my job and caring for our patients)
• Driven (to provide the best service I can for the patients and clients)
• Grateful (that we have this amazing charity where we live to enable people to access veterinary care when they otherwise might not be able to).

What piece of advice would you give to someone joining Blue Cross?
The best piece of advice I could give to someone joining our charity would be to never be afraid to implement change. If you have an idea that will improve standards or procedures, research it, champion it, and present it to your colleagues. The Blue Cross is an ever evolving organisation and it celebrates people who can continue to ensure that we are providing the best service we can.

Thomas Martin

Regional Fundraising Officer

Give us three words to explain how you feel about working for Blue Cross:
Purposeful, Trusted, Valued

If you could have a super power, what would it be and how would you use it at Blue Cross?
The ability to slow down time would be the best super power whilst working at Blue Cross. We already make a huge difference to pets in need, imagine what we could do with more time in the working day. It’s definitely never boring either!

What piece of advice would you give to someone joining Blue Cross?
Without a doubt, I’d say get involved and volunteer! I started out by volunteering with the fundraising team and it gave me so many new skills that it eventually led to me getting my dream job working for Blue Cross as a Regional Fundraising Officer! Even since joining the team, volunteering with other teams at a range of events has given me the chance to get a much better understanding of everything the Blue Cross does as well as introducing me to some brilliant people and amazing opportunities.