Ex-police officer sells house to save charity
"I’m now such a part of the furniture that people are surprised when they learn I’m a volunteer – they think it’s my career!"
An ex-police officer has received an award for his overwhelming dedication as a volunteer for the Border Collie Trust GB.
Ben Wilkes first visited the Staffordshire charity 18 years ago, when he went to donate blankets for the dogs in need. But as soon as he set foot inside the centre, he knew he wanted to do more.
Finally in 2004, the unpaid volunteer took the incredible step of selling his family home and moving into the centre, after the former residents retired.
Ben and his wife are available to care for the dogs 24 hours a day and their duties range from dog collection to DIY.
For his outstanding commitment and hard work, Ben has been named Petplan's Animal Charity Volunteer of the Year 2015.
Commenting on his work at the trust, he says: "Sometimes in life you just happen to be in the right place at the right time – and that was the case with me becoming a volunteer at the Border Collie Trust.
"I’m now such a part of the furniture that people are surprised when they learn I’m a volunteer – they think it’s my career! Rescue work is a very unusual beast in that it can be very unpredictable, but it’s great bringing the police force mentality to the role as it gives me real focus and structure."
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
