Star hails work of Rosie’s Trust as it marks decade of helping care for beloved pets
Rosie’s Trust celebrated its 10 year anniversary at a special event in Stormont on Tuesday, bringing supporters and politicians together to mark the milestone.
Actor James Nesbitt presented special awards to a number of dedicated volunteers in the presence of the Deputy First Minister.
The Cold Feet and The Hobbit star only recently became an ambassador for the organisation that helps people with mobility issues, cancer patients and those receiving end of life care to look after their beloved pets.
“Clearly it offers incredible support. I am very new to it but I had the perfect illustration yesterday when I went to Newtownards to visit a man of a certain age named George,” he told the Belfast Telegraph.
Service user Sandra Brown at Stormont where Rosie’s Trust celebrated its 10-year anniversary (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph)
“He lives very much on his own, he doesn’t have very much care coming in and he has a 10 year-old dog Bibi who is his companion, his friend, his partner, his life.
“He’s got to the stage where he’s unable to take that dog out and offer it the care and exercise it needs.”
That’s where Rosie’s Trust steps in with its team of volunteers who provide vital support including daily dog walks, help with feeding, facilitating vet visits and foster care if required. The charity also helps rehome animals after their owner passes away.
“It’s not just looking after the dog, it’s looking after George. It’s the only human contact he gets,” Mr Nesbitt emphasised.
The 60-year-old outlined how the service can help relieve the “terrible worry” about who is going to look after their pets in their absence.
One grateful beneficiary of the charity vehemently agreed. Sandra Brown (75), who became aware of the unique organisation after a bad fall outside her home in Belfast four years ago, hailed it as a “lifeline”.
“I had a serious head injury, and I thought that was the end,” she recalled.
Rosie’s Trust volunteer Lynda Crozier, James Nesbitt, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and chair of the charity Aileen Martin
“My first thought was, ‘I don’t know what will happen to Molly, because I’m not there to feed her and all this sort of thing when I was in hospital’.
The pensioner learned about the help on offer through Rosie’s Trust and said the “godsend” has taken all her anxiety away.
“The volunteers are all so caring and Molly has a great relationship with them. She sits at the door waiting,” she said.
Retired chemistry teacher Peter Crozier (72), from Carnmoney, is among the team of walkers and has been on the rota since the charity was founded by Bronagh O’Neill in 2015.
The dog lover also helps install keypads, erect fences and block holes in gardens to keep canines safe while his wife Lynda also commits her time.
“I know the bond I have with my own dogs and I wouldn’t want to be in a situation where I couldn’t look after them. This helps keep the bond together,” he said.
James Nesbitt at Stormont where Rosie’s Trust celebrated its 10-year anniversary
DUP MLA Emma-Little Pengelly – who attended the event alongside SDLP representative Mark Durkan and Alliance’s David Honeyford – hailed the charity as she noted its novel, but much needed mission.
Mr Nesbitt took the opportunity to tell her that money was needed to keep it going before the celebratory cake was cut.