Newcastle animal shelter holds its second charity golf day - with golfer Lee Westwood

A Newcastle animal charity has held its second annual charity golf day with the aim of raising funds not only to look after animals, but to pay its energy bills.

Adorable Spirit and Nelly were "putt" through their paces on the green at Close House as the shelter welcomed Lee Westwood, his wife Helen, and local businesses to Close House in Northumberland for their second charity golf day, and first under new chair Andrea Wylie.

Founded in 1896 and celebrating its 125th anniversary last year, the Shelter supports lost, unwanted, neglected, abused and abandoned animals. It has already seen a 50% drop in donations compared to last year from its annual newsletter appeal, but there are hopes that the charity's weekly lottery could raise some cash to help animals like Spirit and Nelly.

Read more: Newcastle shelter expecting to take in 1,000 pets as Geordie owners pushed to brink by rising bills

The shelter's other objective is to promote kindness and the prevention of cruelty to animals, with the aim of reuniting lost animals with owners and finding loving new homes for those no longer wanted. And they may be doing the latter more often this winter from their shelters on Claremont Road and Benton North Farm, after the charity said people are having to face the heart-breaking choice between putting the heating on or feeding their dog or cat due to the cost of living crisis.

Chris Bray, Chief Executive of Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter, said: "Thanks to the kind generosity of the public we have some very happy animals at the shelter, but we are facing unprecedented times, so the golf day at Close House was a welcome event and we were very touched to see so many NE businesses and individuals supporting our animals."

Golfer Lee Westwood donated several items of signed memorabilia for the shelter's raffle, including a shirt with the signatures of the Ryder Cup European Team at Valhalla.

Chris continued: "Lee Westwood and his caddie wife Helen arriving really made the day. In total we raised £14,480 with some incredible prizes donated by Lee Westwood and supports in the region."

Rachael Kendall, General Manager, said: "For less than the price of a coffee it would be so helpful if anyone reading this could consider playing our weekly lottery and be in with a chance to win £10,000. Text PLAY to 88000 to help all our animals, just like our much loved dogs Spirit and Nellie who came today."

For more information about Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter, including details about animals available for rehoming and how to donate, visit: www.dogandcatshelter.com.

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