The 98-yr-old dog walker...
Tireless Sally named as an Animal Hero
EVEN the most dedicated animal campaigner might think about slowing down at a certain age.
But not Sally Field, who is still going strong as an RSPCA fundraiser, volunteer and dog-walker at 98 years old.
Now she is to be honoured at the Daily Mirror’s Animal Hero Awards, in association with the RSPCA.
Retired Sally has been helping out at the charity’s Millbrook Animal Centre in Chobham, Surrey, for 37 years and still walks 10 of its pooches twice a week – as well as her neighbour’s five dogs.
She also helps in the snack bar and on fundraising days. And as a long-standing member of the centre’s friends group, she has helped to raise thousands of pounds.
A video of Sally talking about her passion for dogs went viral earlier this year, with more than 10 million people watching it in the first three days.
Sally, who used to work for the fire service, said: “I love animals and I’ve always been passionate about their welfare. I don’t sit indoors watching the telly. People say I should rest more, and I say, ‘Are you joking?’ I don’t feel any different than when I was in my 50s.
“I think it’s all down to keeping exercising and working. Age doesn’t mean anything, it’s just a number.
“The kennels is my life. I always look forward to going up there. I’ll never stop doing it. I’ll keep going until I’m finished.”
Sally has also refused to allow personal setbacks to stop her helping animals.
Earlier this year she spent months in hospital after knee replacement surgery. During that time burglars broke into her home, stealing jewellery and sentimental items.
Liz Wood of the RSPCA said: “It’s been a rough year for her, especially losing items that belonged to her husband, but she carried on regardless.
“She never moaned about her aches or pains, or the emotional pain.
“The dogs love her and wait anxiously for her to arrive, and the same goes for all the staff and other volunteers here. She really is an inspiration to everyone.”
Sally will receive her Animal Hero Award during a star-studded dinner hosted by Amanda Holden at Grosvenor House in London on Thursday.