The initiative celebrates the charity's impressive heritage.
To celebrate its 125th anniversary, Blue Cross has teamed up with UK celebrities to recreate historic and iconic images from the charity's past.
Paralympian Lauren Steadman MBE, actor and comedian David Harewood MBE and comedian Bill Bailey all posed to recreate images from Blue Cross archives – commemorating the charity's impact over the years.
Alongside these celebrity recreations, five members of the Blue Cross rehoming team recreated an archive photo of 'kennel maids', who cared for dogs fighting overseas during World War II.
Iain Heaton, deputy CEO and CFO at Blue Cross, commented on the recreations: “We are delighted to share these recreated historic images with our supporters, beneficiaries, and the British public.
“Bill, David, Lauren, and our hard-working rehoming team have done a phenomenal job at demonstrating how we have supported both pets and people over the last 125 years, and we can’t wait to see people’s response. “
Lauren Steadman recreated a poster for the Blue Cross Fund for Wounded War Dogs, which was put up in the United States to encourage donations during World War I.
Commented on the experience, Lauren said: “It was wonderful to have my beautiful dog Kira on set with me to create this image of a WWI nurse treating a wounded dog.
“Kira is a rescue dog, so I have a huge appreciation for the work that Blue Cross and pet charities do.”
David Harewood, along with Kit – a Dutch shepherd rehomed by Blue Cross, recreated an image of a WWII soldier visiting his dog in the Charlton Kennels. David said: “I am so thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful celebration, and to have had the opportunity to recreate such a special moment between a British soldier and his dog.
“This campaign not only highlights how long Blue Cross has been around to support pets and people, but also how the love for animals can also span across generations – I’m so proud to be involved!”
An image of a Pearly King with a horse saved by Blue Cross was recreated by Bill Bailey. He said: “I had a great time transforming into a Pearly King!
“I love all animals, so having an opportunity to celebrate Blue Cross’ heritage and highlight the support that they have continued to offer to horses, and other animals, since their inception was really special.”
Iain Heaton explained: “Since Blue Cross’ formation in 1897, we have been present for both people and pets during key moments in history, and we continue to support them through our veterinary, rehoming and behavioural services to this very day.
“But our job is not done, and we are needed today more than ever. So, as well as celebrating our illustrious heritage, we hope that this campaign helps to drive further awareness and understanding of our cause.”
Images (C) Blue Cross
BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.
