Our Head of Curriculum for Animal Management, Jo Saunders (pictured above), has once again been invited to judge the Animal Award at the Kent BBC Make a Difference Awards.
The awards celebrate people and organisations across Kent who have gone above and beyond to make a positive difference to the lives of others. This year’s winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Quarterhouse in Folkestone on 22 September 2026.
Jo was tasked with the difficult job of choosing a winner from four inspirational nominations, each demonstrating a different way in which animals and the people who care for them can make a lasting difference. But as leader of NKC Hadlow College’s Animal Management department, she was ideally placed to take on the challenge again. Our Animal Management courses combine academic study with practical experience, developing students’ knowledge and skills in areas including animal welfare, behaviour, husbandry, wildlife and conservation; expertise that provides a strong foundation for judging an award that celebrates the difference animals can make.
The nominees this year showcase the powerful relationships between people and animals:
Mabel, a four-year-old Irish Red Setter and registered Pets as Therapy dog, visits a dementia care home where her calm and gentle nature provides companionship and comfort to residents. She has also begun working as a reading dog in a primary school, helping children who may feel nervous about reading aloud to build confidence in a safe and supportive environment.
Lisa Steward of Thorne Hedgehog Rescue CIC has been nominated for her tireless work rescuing and rehabilitating hedgehogs and other wildlife in Kent. Lisa has developed a dedicated rescue and wildlife hospital, often looking after over 100 hedgehogs at a time, while also building a team of volunteers committed to protecting vulnerable animals.
Bambi and Storm, mentor dogs at Twydall Primary School, have been nominated for the difference they have made to children's wellbeing. Their presence has helped one pupil experiencing grief and anxiety to become more confident, communicate their feelings and engage more positively with school, family and friends.
The final nominee is Jaffa, a Bracco Italiano dog who has made an incredible 34 blood donations through Pet Blood Bank. Her donations could have helped save the lives of up to 136 other dogs, while her owner, Kayleigh Pettet, has also helped raise awareness of the importance of canine blood donation.
With four such deserving nominees, Jo faced a challenging decision when selecting her winner.
The result is being kept firmly under wraps until the ceremony later this month. We wish all of this year's nominees the very best of luck.
Check back later in the month to find out who won.