The Brooke - Brooke thanking vets and supporters after 75 years in operation

To help celebrate our 75th anniversary we wanted to recognise the excellent work carried out by dedicated colleagues in the field and award key staff and communities that have been influenced by the Brooke. We also wanted to say a huge thank you to our many supporters who have shown true dedication in fundraising for the Brooke over the years. This cumulated with a special Excellence Awards ceremony at our 75th anniversary supporter conference held in October.

The big day…

Brooke President, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall with Brooke Patron, Sir Peter O'Sullevan CBE holding an official Brooke bag © Paul Burns Photography

The supporter conference was held on 28th October at St James's Palace in London. Guests were honoured by the presence of the Brooke’s President, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, who spoke of her admiration for the charity, and presented our first-ever Excellence Awards.

Click here to watch Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall deliver a speech at our supporter conference

These awards celebrate the commitment and efforts of individuals and teams working in the field, and the brilliant efforts of our many volunteer fundraisers across the UK.

The event reflected on the successes of the past 75 years, and also included talks about the Brooke’s country operations and future plans. The day brought together Brooke staff, partner organisations, supporters and volunteers in recognising the achievements of the past 75 years and the challenges that lie ahead for the future.

The veterinary and community awards were voted for by Brooke supporters, and a committee - including Brooke family members - voted on the supporter awards. Taking her seat on the judges' panel was editor of Pony Magazine and author of The Horse Whisperer series, Janet Rising.

And the winners are…

Veterinary and Community Awards

Most Inspirational Community Development Team - Brooke Shashego Team, (Ethiopia)

Most Improved Community - Butajira Ghari Horse Owners Association, (Ethiopia)

Most Inspirational Vet - Dr Salah, Brooke Cairo (Egypt)

The Peter O'Sullevan Fellowship Award

This is a special award to recognise a particular project or initiative that has made a significant difference or impact on the ground. The project concerned might be small or large, but must be one that promotes innovative, practical work.

The winner was the Brooke's Pakistan Expansion Initiative led by Major Asim. This initiative enables the Pakistan Country Programme to reach out to the working equine animals engaged in 'high risk' work in the urban centres of Karachi, Jaffrabad and Jacobabad.

Supporter Awards

Longest Serving Supporter - Marcia McGahey

Most Inspirational Fundraiser - Vicky Farmer

Young Fundraiser - Emily Hanstock

Best Corporate Supporter - Tony Gale, Pictorial Press

Highest Fundraising Group - Aberdeen Supporters Group

All the winners from the Brooke's first ever Excellence Awards standing with Brooke President, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall and Brooke Patron, Sir Peter O'Sullevan CBE © Paul Burns Photography

Awarding excellence