Charity Leader Awarded MBE
Blue Cross is proud to celebrate the award of MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) to their CEO, Chris Burghes, who joined the charity in June 2020 to lead a new strategic direction to help pets and people in need.
Chris was previously the CEO of the Royal Free Charity which is the charitable arm of the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust. He has a wealth of experience in the day-to-day management of charities, gained both at the Royal Free and the Fire Fighters Charity.
This MBE award recognises the exceptional achievement and impact Chris has made during his time as Trustee of NHS Charities Together and Chair of the Grants Committee. The national independent charity raised £160m through appeals across the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, which they awarded in grants to UK hospitals. Chris has been on the Board since 2016 and, in his prior role in The Royal Free, he fundraised and constructed a new £60m medical research facility, The Pears Building, which is UK’s most advanced research into the human immune system.
Chris stated: “I am honoured to be recognised. It was a wonderful surprise. All the charities I have been involved with have been fantastic. They’ve always put helping people (and pets!) at the heart of what they do day in, day out and I have really admiration for everyone I’ve worked with over the years.”
At Blue Cross, Chris oversees the operation of one of the largest pet charities in the country, with 12 rehoming centres and advice units nationwide, four award winning pet hospitals, and services which span nation-wide food banks, animal behaviour support, education in schools, a Pet Bereavement Support Service and political lobbying for a better future for pets and people.
With the increasing demand for Blue Cross pet welfare services, the charity needs the support of animal lovers to continue its work helping pets and their people, in any way they can. Whether that’s by donating to keep rehoming and veterinary services going through these tough times, fundraising for Blue Cross, providing foster care for pets while loving new homes are found, volunteering at pet food banks, or signing up to support Blue Cross campaigns for better pet welfare.
Notes to Editors
- Images, video and spokespeople available for comment, contact the media team
- Blue Cross is a national charity that has been helping sick, injured and homeless pets since 1897. Every month we help thousands of pets and their people by providing veterinary care, expert behaviour advice and find homeless pets loving families. We also offer education for future generations plus pet bereavement support for those who have lost their beloved pet companion. We love the ways that pets can make such an amazing difference to the people they live with and we offer lifelong support and advice to help that unique relationship thrive. With your support we can give back to more pets and their families who need our help. Pets change lives. We change theirs.
- For more information visit www.bluecross.org.uk
Media contact
Blue Cross media team: 0300 777 1950/ [email protected]