Needy animals to feature in BBC Lifeline Appeal

The Blue Cross was featured in a BBC Lifeline appeal to help raise funds for animals in need. Presented by actress Felicity Kendal and her cocker spaniel George, the short film explored the vital work of the charity, which helps thousands of sick and homeless animals every year.

Felicity Kendal, a strong supporter of The Blue Cross, said: "I'm delighted to be able to help publicise the work of this wonderful charity. The Blue Cross does so much to help animals in need and they rely almost entirely on public donations. I hope lots of people watch the BBC appeal to see just where the money goes and why this is a charity worthy of their support."

Viewers were introduced to three animal lovers who have been helped by The Blue Cross.

Peter Brennan is a retired IT consultant who owns a five-year-old Great Dane called Carlos, and they both suffer from heart problems. With Peter’s own condition, he simply couldn’t afford the private veterinary fees required to investigate and treat Carlos so he turned to The Blue Cross for help. Carlos has since received treatment at the charity’s animal hospital in Merton, south London, and with the correct medication is back to being like a puppy again.

Gaye Robinson is a life-long dog lover whose severe arthritis has left her confined to a wheelchair. She lives alone and used to feel lonely and isolated, but then she went to The Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Burford and asked them to find her a dog for companionship who would be suitable for someone in her condition. Since taking home sprightly Yorkshire terrier Mac, her life has been transformed.

Pensioners Mr and Mrs Paulley have lived in their terraced house in Tooting for over 40 years and have always had cats. Annie is their longest surviving feline at 23 years old, but she has renal failure so needs regular check ups to monitor her weight and blood pressure. But the Paulleys both suffer from health problems which mean that regular trips to the vet would be impossible. Luckily for them, Blue Cross community vet nurse Laura Liversedge comes to visit every three weeks. The Paulleys enjoy these visits as much as Annie, describing Laura as their ‘adopted daughter’.

Lifeline is the BBC's monthly television charity appeal programme. For more than twenty years, it has helped raise money for and increase the profile of hundreds of charities across the UK and abroad. There have been over 250 appeals so far and more than £6million has been raised for charities. For more information, visit www.bbc.co.uk/lifeline

Please donate via www.bbc.co.uk/lifeline,

Or by phone at 0800 093 93 94 or by post, sending a cheque payable to The Blue Cross to: The Blue Cross, Freepost, BBC Lifeline Appeal.