Laurence Ackland Smith has volunteered at Battersea since 1986.

A long-serving charity volunteer has been recognised for his commitment

The longest serving volunteer at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of his dedication to the charity.

Since 1986, 84-year-old Laurence Ackland Smith has travelled once every week from his West Wickham home to walk the Battersea dogs, and provide invaluable companionship and socialisation.

His work has been honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Carly Whyborn, head of operations at Battersea, said: “It is the selfless generosity of people like Laurence who allow us to care for 6,000 lost, abandoned and unwanted dogs every year.

"Without Laurence and over 1,000 others volunteering like him, we would be unable to do what we do. I am so pleased that Laurence has been awarded the BEM for his tireless dedication to volunteering – he is a Battersea hero and entirely deserving of this honour."

Laurence also volunteers tirelessly for the Working Horse Trust, and pays regular visits to the Chelsea Pensioners in the Royal Hospital.
 
He said: “I was absolutely amazed when I heard that I’d been awarded the BEM. I volunteer because I thoroughly enjoy it. We were unable to have dogs as my son was allergic to them, so volunteering with Battersea has let me indulge my love of dogs. As long as I have the strength to, I will carry on volunteering.”
 
Laurence is part of a team of 1,100 volunteers, who donate a total of 79,043 hours to the charity each year to look after the 6,000 dogs and 3,000 cats that pass through the Battersea doors annually.

Image courtesy of Battersea.