Downham Residents Enjoy Volunteering at RSPCA

A resident at Downham Grange Nursing Home recently had the opportunity to reconnect with the community and support a cause close to her heart during a special visit to a local animal rescue centre.

Rosalind Burroughs, aged 81, expressed a simple wish to feel “useful again in the community” — something the team at the home were determined to help make possible.

Rosalind has always led a busy life, spending more than four decades working in her family’s grocery business after starting at the age of 15. Even in retirement, she has remained passionate about staying active and helping others.

An enthusiastic animal lover, particularly fond of cats and dogs, Rosalind was delighted to visit the RSPCA Eau Brink Rehoming Centre alongside fellow resident Rita Stockinger. During the visit, the pair spent time helping to socialise some of the rescue cats — something Rosalind thoroughly enjoyed.

“Community involvement helps keep people together,” she said. “The RSPCA is such a good charity and the animals are so well taken care of. The cats are so friendly — I really enjoyed the cuddling experience.”

The centre, located in Tilney All Saints, has been operating for around 30 years and can care for up to 500 animals at any one time. Its mission is to ensure each animal’s stay is as comfortable and stress-free as possible while they wait to find their forever homes.

On average, around 20 dogs and 12 cats are rehomed each month, alongside smaller animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs, meaning the team is constantly busy caring for animals in need.

After learning that the centre relies heavily on donations, staff and residents at Downham Grange were keen to lend their support. The home organised a collection of pet food and blankets which were donated during the visit to help support the charity’s work.

Marcia Hughes, Regional Community Engagement Coordinator who organised the trip, said: “It was a lovely experience and we are so glad to be able to show support to such an amazing charity.”

The charity operates as an independent branch of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and welcomes donations of animal food or saleable items for its charity shop in King’s Lynn to help raise funds.

For Rosalind and Rita, the visit was not only an opportunity to help animals in need, but also a chance to reconnect with the wider community and spend time doing something they truly love.