Liverpool-based animal sanctuary awarded surprise £100,000 donation at the Pets Foundation Ball

An animal sanctuary dedicated to caring for animals in need, was surprised with an incredible £100,000 donation at the Pets at Home ‘Pets Foundation Ball’, which took place at Old Trafford (9th September 2025).

The annual event’s host, TV and radio presenter,  Paddy McGuinness and Pets at Home’s Head of Sustainability & Community, Amy Angus, surprised volunteers from ‘Rescue Me’ Animal Sanctuary on stage with a £100,000 cheque. The donation will support the construction of a brand-new kennel block, which is expected to benefit approximately 1,500 dogs over the next 15 years.

The Pets Foundation Ball is a key moment in the Pets’ calendar, bringing together Pets at Home, Vets for Pets, and their suppliers for an evening of entertainment, fundraising, and awareness. The event plays a vital role in raising funds for the Pets Foundation’s grant initiatives, which support animal welfare organisations across the UK.

Established in 2006, the Pets Foundation is the leading financial supporter of UK pet rescues and is dedicated to creating a better world for pets and the people who love them. In the last 12 months alone, the Foundation has donated an impressive £4.6 million through grants, fundraising campaigns and its Community Partner programme.

‘Rescue Me’ Animal Sanctuary is one of the local rescue centres supported by the Foundation. Founded in 2013 by Steph Taylor, ‘Rescue Me’ Animal Sanctuary initially operated through foster homes to rescue pets which require additional care, such as dogs with cleft palates and kittens who need to be hand reared.

As demand rapidly outpaced their modest beginnings, the sanctuary made a bold move in 2019 by relocating to a derelict farm in Melling, Merseyside. What was once a forgotten shell has since been transformed into a lifeline, a fully equipped space with veterinary facilities, offering vital care and support to local animals who need it most.

One such dog who benefitted from this move was Grace, a six-year-old German Shepherd who arrived at the sanctuary severely underweight and battling pneumonia. After three months of care, she made a full recovery and was successfully rehomed.

Grace wasn’t the only one who found their forever home; in less than eight months ‘Rescue Me’ cared for over 500 animals highlighting the urgent need for a brand-new, future-proofed facility. Having already been awarded £50,000 from Pets Foundation in July 2025 to kick-start a project to build five large kennels including one dedicated to puppies, ‘Rescue Me’ sanctuary was surprised with an additional cheque for a further £100,000, enabling them to complete all of the construction which is expected to benefit approximately 1,500 dogs over the next 15 years.

 ‘Rescue Me’ Animal Sanctuary Founder, Chair and Manager, Steph Taylor commented: 

“We are absolutely overwhelmed by this incredible act of generosity. It has been a whirlwind of an evening in the best way possible. The additional £100,000 grant will allow us to complete our new kennel block and transform the lives of thousands of dogs for years to come. This support means everything to us, we’re deeply grateful to the Pets Foundation and everyone who has made this possible.”

Amy Angus, Pets at Home’s Head of Sustainability & Community, commented: 

“It is an honour to present ‘Rescue Me’ Animal Sanctuary with this grant this evening. Pets Foundation provide funding to organisations whose main activity is the rescue and rehoming of UK pets. We are proud that this grant will be used to help build a facility capable of delivering care and comfort to so many dogs, the future truly looks bright.”