News

We’re thrilled to share that, following a vote, R&Mers have chosen Blue Cross as our 2026 Charity of the Year.

Blue Cross is a UK animal welfare charity doing incredible work to support sick, injured, abandoned, and homeless pets. They want a world where all pets enjoy a happy, healthy life, and where more people can experience the joy of pets and they've been working to make that goal a reality since 1897.

The charity provides specialist care, services and support for pets and people throughout their life together. The help they offer includes veterinary treatment, finding loving new homes for pets, behavioural advice, support with pet bereavement and education for future generations. They love the way that pets can make such an amazing difference to the people they live with, and are passionate about the very special relationship between a pet and a person.

Throughout the year, we’ve lined up an exciting programme of fundraising activities and, in true company spirit, many of them will come with a competitive twist. Expect everything from a bikeathon and darts tournament to tasty bake offs as our branches go head‑to‑head for a great cause.

We’re really excited to get started and raise funds for such a fantastic charity. Here’s to a year dedicated to making a lasting difference for vulnerable animals.
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‍Interesting insights

• Blue Cross has been helping animals for more than 125 years, beginning in 1897 and continuing through two world wars to today.
• Blue Cross currently has 12 rehoming centres, 55 charity shops, four animal hospitals, and numerous pet care clinics across the UK.
• In 2025, Blue Cross supported 22,092 pets through its veterinary services, helped 7,926 pets find new homes or foster care, and provided pet bereavement support to 29,338 people.

You can learn more about the charity here.

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