The following was issued in the National News Papers in October 2010   

  INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR ANIMAL WELFARE 

Dedicated animal champion from  Birmingham honoured for rescuing thousands of animals. 

(London - October 14, 2010) - A dedicated animal hero from the Midlands who has rescued thousands of domestic and wild animals and birds is to receive a special award in recognition of his tireless work from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (www.ifaw.org) at the House of Lords. 

Ray Dedicoat (60), from Hollywood, Birmingham, set up Hollytrees Animal Rescue Trust more than 35 years ago to rescue and care for abandoned, neglected or injured stray pets and wildlife and responds to calls for assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

 One of the busiest rescue centres in the Midlands, Hollytrees covers all aspects of animal welfare including rehabilitation, spaying and neutering and rehoming. Ray also works hard to educate the public and potential owners about how to care for their pets. 

 Over the years Ray has also become an expert at catching nervous animals, particularly dogs, and is often called out to assist other agencies. He even has a specially adapted net made with the netting from four football goals which he is able to spread across entire carriageways when runaway animals stray onto main roads or motorways.  

 His aim is to rehome all domestic animals and return wildlife to the wild, wherever possible. In the meantime he has kennel space for 70 dogs and 70 cats plus additional accommodation for wild animals and injured birds which are never turned away, no matter how busy the centre is. 

 Ray, a lifetime animal lover, first got involved with animal rescue as a youngster when he tried to help a dog which had been run over and realised the need for more rescue centres. 

 Robbie Marsland, UK Director of IFAW, said: "We are very pleased to be able to reward Ray's amazing dedication to rescuing thousands of animals over so many years and wanted to recognise his outstanding work with our Animal Welfare Award." 

 Ray's award is part of IFAW's prestigious annual Animal Action Awards ceremony, which will take place at the House of Lords on October 19. Ray will not be travelling to the ceremony and will be at work at his rescue centre when the awards take place. Instead his trophy will be presented to him at Hollytrees by IFAW staff at a later date. 

 He said: "It's very nice to be getting an award from IFAW. Really I just see myself as a small cog in a big wheel working with lots of others to help animals. It's really nice when different organisations work together for the good of animals and it's lovely that IFAW chooses to recognise someone like me."

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