Broadcaster Clare Balding hosted the Pets Foundation annual charity ball last night, as Pets at Home and the wider pet care industry came together to raise much needed funds to support animal charities in need across the UK.

Since its launch, in 2006, the Pets Foundation – Pets at Home’s charity - has raised a staggering £50 million to help support animal rescue and rehoming organisations through grants and donations. In last year alone the charity raised £6 million with nearly 400 animal organisations, 54,000 pets and 17,000 people benefiting.

Last night’s annual charity ball brought together Pets’ partners, suppliers, and organisations across animal welfare sectors, who generously contributed towards the total £114,000 donation. The Cats Whiskers, a Scottish based cat rehoming charity, and Blue Cross, whose donation points can be found in all Pets at Home stores, were both in attendance to share the stories of the families and pets they have been able to help everyday thanks to the donations they’ve received.

The Cats Whiskers were also surprised with an additional £30,000 donation to help build an essential new veterinary room and outdoor enrichment area to make life better for the cats and kittens in their care.

The Cats Whiskers Founders Kathy and Donna said “This donation means everything to us and secures the future for The Cats Whiskers. The money will enable us to upgrade our facilities and focus more of our time on caring for the animals. Before our cats had to travel to receive veterinary care, causing unnecessary extra stress to already uncomfortable and anxious cats. Now they will be able to receive the care and attention they need in a dedication room, helping their overall comfort and wellbeing. The enrichment area will ensure cats are more secure when getting exercise and will have access to fresh air in a safe way. We couldn’t be more grateful to the Pets Foundation, and knowing they believe in us means the world to us.”

Commenting on the evening, author, and broadcaster Clare Balding said: “It was an honour to host this year’s Pets Foundation charity ball. As a pet lover myself, it’s incredible that so much has been raised for so many worthwhile animal charities. It was fantastic to see even more money raised on the night as the Pets Foundation launched its ambition to raise the next £50 million.”

William Hewish, Chief Information Officer of Pets at Home, and Chair of the Pets Foundation commented “Our charity ball provides an opportunity to thank all of our partners, suppliers, customers and employees who have donated so generously and worked hard to help us reach this significant fundraising milestone. At Pets at Home our mission is to create a better world for pets and the people who love them, and the amazing work of the Pets Foundation highlights our on-going commitment to that. We are excited to see what we can achieve next and the difference we can make to even more pets and the people who love them.”

The Pets Foundation supports charities across the country including 25 incredible organisations in and around Greater Manchester. Including RSPCA Manchester & Salford, Cats Protection, Dogs Trust, Guide Dogs and many more.

RSPCA Manchester & Salford recently received a grant to buy a new animal ambulance. The new ambulance has helped animals such as Tabby Cat, Joy, and Rabbit, Cinnabun

Joy is a young tabby cat who spent 65 days in the care of RSPCA Manchester & Salford, after she was found stray with an awful collar wound. She required extensive veterinary intervention and nursing care involving regular trips to and from the vets. Her pain was eased by being able to travel in the near-silent ambulance.

Cinnabun is a large rabbit breed rescued from a breeder which was closed down by RSPCA inspectors. The new animal ambulance enabled the charity to transport larger animals more easily due to the van’s huge capacity.

C&D Foods were the headline sponsor for this year’s Pets Foundation charity ball.