Become a Friend of Raystede

A brief history

In 1952 Miss Raymonde-Hawkins established Raystede and rallied a group of friends who cared about animals just as much as she did to support the charity’s vital work. Together they made it their mission to stand up for animals experiencing neglect, abandonment and abuse. They were known as the Friends of Raystede and we are proud that this friendship continues today. Our Friends scheme is one of the oldest of its kind in the UK and has helped the charity grow into the wonderful animal welfare centre and sanctuary it is today.

"I started off with a great deal of love and encouragement from many friends. Hundreds of friends came to start off this new Sussex centre for animal welfare, destined to develop more speedily than I had ever intended."

- Miss Raymonde-Hawkins, official opening ceremony for Raystede, 1955.