Remembering Jason Owner of pet tortoise dies suddenly at 49
AMAN known for owning one of the county’s most famous pets has died at the age of 49. Jason Smith was well known in the Tewkesbury area and could often be seen walking his pet tortoise Nancy Drew.
On Monday his wife Kate announced that he had died last month due to heart complications.
We first reported on Jason and Nancy Drew’s adventures last year, when footage emerged of Jason taking him on a walk to the pub.
Nancy Drew was rescued from a pet shop in Hull by Jason’s stepdaughter Charlotte, 27, when she was studying at university.
She had spotted he was upside down in the window, which can be fatal.
After informing the shop owner and being unhappy with their response, the student decided to give the reptile a better life and brought him home to Tewkesbury.
Last month, the tortoise was even seen trying to befriend some sheep while out on a walk.
Jason’s memory will now be honoured by his wife Kate, who has started a fundraiser for his favourite cause animal welfare.
Kate plans to raise money for Hillside Animal Sanctuary, which takes care of animals who have been abandoned or affected by neglect.
The fundraiserwill raise funds for a cause “close to Jason’s heart” Kate said.
Speaking about her husband, she said: “He was delighted to stop and chat with people who came up to see Nancy - always with that big smile on his face.
“In Jason’s memory I thought I’d do something positive so as to bring some good out of something so tragic.”
Kate posted the fundraiser on Justgiving on Sunday and said: “As many of you know, Jason passed away recently from an undiagnosed heart condition at the heartbreakingly young age of 49.
“In lieu of flowers for Jason’s funeral, I would like to raise a little money for Jason’s favourite cause, Hillside Animal Sanctuary in Fakenham, Norfolk, which relies entirely on donations.
“Hillside is an amazing sanctuary, currently homing over 4000 animals that have all been rescued from the cruellest neglect, and caring for them for the rest of their lives.”
Aiming to raise £250 initially, within just a few days days Kate has since seen funds rise to an incredible £1,969.
She continued: “[The sanctuary] are also one of the most successful organisations that campaign for the relief of the suffering of millions of animals every day in the intensive factory farming industry.
“Anyone visiting Norfolk should drop by and see their incredible work.
“The sanctuary’s need for funds for hay, straw, feed, fencing, shelters, vet bills etc is constant.
“Any small donation you can make will make a big difference to the lives of these animals and for Hillside’s continuing campaigning work.”
To donate to the fundraiser visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jasonsmithhillside
He was delighted to stop and chat with people who came up to see Nancy - always with that big smile on his face. Kate Smith
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