Hard-working Michelle does so much for animal rescue charities in Harrogate and overseas

The last decade has seen Michelle Hennon evolve into a dynamic organiser of a whole host of incredibly successful charity fundraising events.

Masquerade Balls, Western line dancing nights, pop music tribute nights, 80's and 90's music quiz and disco nights, charity vintage tea parties, charity dog walks and charity fitness classes, all organised in her free time with a fantastic group of supportive volunteers.

Michelle, who lives in Darley, said: “I started in rescue 12 years ago as a volunteer dog walker for a local dog rescue moving onto fundraising for them via their social media pages, applying for grants and putting on fundraising events.

"During the four years I was there I helped raised more than £150,000 through all of the above.

"I set up a volunteer programme and helped rehome many dogs by social media posts and Facebook pages for some of the harder to rehome dogs, which did result in one of the dogs making a TV appearance of ITN News.

"Before I left I started to include other charities in my fundraising events and then moved to volunteer with Blue Cross as a dog walker and cat cuddler and continued my event fundraising with up to six events a year raising approximately £20,000,including various animal charities both home and abroad.”

The more Michelle Hennon has done, the further afield the impact of her efforts has been felt, here and abroad.

One of the charities she now fundraises for is Viktors Ark, a sanctuary in Northern Macedonia which saves animals from awful situations.

She plans to visit Macedonia in June to see the set-up at Viktors Ark, which is run singlehandedly by 28-year-old Viktor who nurses animals back to health, then works hard to find them homes through UK and EU-based rescues.

Michelle Hennon is also planning to hold a Halloween Masquerade Ball at Harrogate’s Majestic Hotel on Saturday, October 24 to raise funds for Woodfield Dog Rescue.