Wooburn Common volunteer honoured for 66 years of fostering animals for RSPCA

Julie Harman has been recognised by RSPCA South Bucks for an extraordinary 66 years of caring for animals in need, having provided a safe haven for thousands of abandoned, neglected and injured animals throughout her life.

A Wooburn Common volunteer has been honoured for an extraordinary 66 years of fostering animals for RSPCA South Bucks.

Now in her eighties, Julie Harman has been recognised by the charity as its longest-serving volunteer after more than six decades of providing care and shelter for animals in need.

Thousands of animals have passed through Julie’s doors over the years, finding a safe haven when they had nowhere else to go. And she shows no signs of slowing down. Her current residents include three sheep, three dogs, five indoor cats and a colony of feral cats.

Julie was honoured in September at RSPCA South Bucks’ Volunteer Celebration at Chesham’s White Hill Centre, held alongside the town’s Heritage Day festivities. Around 75 people attended the event, where her contribution was recognised by Mayor Parveiz Aslam MBE.

“I can’t imagine living any other way than being surrounded by animals that need caring for and rescuing from difficult situations,” says Julie.

“There have been thousands come through my doors for the RSPCA since it all started with abandoned tortoises when I was a teenager. Now, it’s simply my life; it’s just completely normal to me.”

RSPCA South Bucks says fosterers such as Julie play a vital role in giving animals temporary homes, rehabilitation and affection while they recover from neglect, abandonment or injury.

With demand for foster homes at an unprecedented level, the charity is appealing for more people to consider opening their homes to animals in need.

Could you give an animal a safe place to land? To find out more about fostering with RSPCA South Bucks, email info@rspca-southbucks.org.uk.

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