Well-known Battersea friends and supporters were treated to a show-stopping evening of entertainment as they joined adorable rescue dogs at a glittering fundraising event for the world-renowned animal welfare charity at Quaglinos, in central London last night (Thursday 4 November). 

Hosted by comedian Sue Perkins, and headlined by singer Mica Paris, ‘the British Queen of Soul’, Battersea Backstage took guests behind the scenes of the iconic animal rescue centre to hear more about its vital work caring for dogs and cats in need and helping rescue animals across the UK and beyond. 

Battersea supporters including Karen Hauer, Nicole Appleton, Kate Lawler, Candace Brown and Jackie St Clair, were given the opportunity to meet some of the incredible rescue dogs that have been helped by the 161-year-old charity such as Bichon Frise cross Percy, and Chihuahua Matilda, as well as hearing about some of the cats that have been given a second chance in life. 

They include Hector, a Domestic Short-Hair kitten who found himself in the care of Battersea after being found as a stray at just six-weeks-old. Hector was missing a leg and part of his tail when he arrived at Battersea, something that staff suspect the kitten may have been born with. 

Throughout the pandemic Battersea has continued to take in and rehome animals across the country ensuring that they got a second chance at a happy new life. The charity is also helping thousands more animals beyond its gates through their Academy programme, which provides vital funding and training to smaller rescue centres in the UK and abroad. 

Battersea Chief Executive Peter Laurie said, 

“Battersea would not be able to care for thousands of dogs and cats every year were it not for the generosity of our donors. This event has given us the opportunity to show just how valuable this support is, in helping our staff and volunteers transform the lives of animals that have sadly been abandoned or relinquished by their owners.”