Animal charity volunteer scoops national award
Kirsten received her award at a ceremony in Telford, hosted by TV personality, Pete Wicks.
An animal charity volunteer has scooped a top national award for her ongoing support of the Scottish SPCA.
Kirsten MacQuarrie was crowned ‘Animal Charity Volunteer of the Year’ at the Petplan and Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH) Animal Charity Awards 2026.
Inspired by her late dog Gypsy to start volunteering, Kirsten has helped to raise over £4,000 for the Scottich SPCA through her fundraising and volunteering efforts.
She has participated in the Supernova 5K and championed the charity’s cause at almost 30 street collections and local community events, with no plans to stop. Through her work at the charity's Lanarkshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre (ARRC) she has since gone on to adopt her dog Winnie.
Commenting on her achievement, Kirsten said: “I am absolutely astonished – although in truth, I could hardly hear myself think over the cheers of the Scottish SPCA team! My fellow finalists, Leisha from Hayleys Angels and Carol from Cats Protection North Yorkshire, both do such outstanding work, I never expected to be the lucky one this time around.”
She added: “Without exaggeration, volunteering has changed my life for the better – not least because, without spending time helping out in the kennels of the Lanarkshire ARRC, I would never have met Winnie”.
Now in its 14th year, the Petplan and Animal Charity Awards recognise the hard work and dedication of the teams and individuals within the animal charity sector who go the extra mile to help rescue and rehome animals in need.
The awards provide a platform to say ‘thank you’ to volunteers, staff members or teams that have gone above and beyond by nominating them.
Kirsten received her award at the prestigious ceremony in Telford on Thursday (7 May), hosted by television personality Pete Wicks.
Pete said: “I am delighted that Kirsten has received this recognition. The Scottish SPCA is a leading charity in animal welfare, and I am so glad that the hours put in by people like Kirsten aren’t going unnoticed.
“I know I’m not alone in how I feel about animal welfare and I’m so glad that so many animals right across the country are being helped by such selfless volunteers.”
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
