An honesty box, designer threads and the happiest day of their lives – meet the brilliant supporters who’ve been raising funds (and smiles) for the BHWT this festive season…
Jilly’s priceless advice
“I’ve been friends with (BHWT founder) Jane Howorth for three decades,” says sprightly octogenarian and long-term supporter Jilly Davidson, who recently donated a much-appreciated £200. “I remember as a young girl, my grandmother had a farm. Back then, hens just ran around the farmyard.” Later, in the 1960s, Jilly saw things change radically with the introduction of battery farming. “Yours is a cause I’ve been keen on for a very long time, so at my village Christmas fair I sold BHWT Bob Mortimer Christmas cards, and some adorable, knitted hens, plus other bits you kindly sent my way.” Jilly’s advice? “Ask people for a donation they can afford, rather than setting a low fixed price. People want to be generous!”
Kelly is trending
Style queen and blog regular Kelly Newell recently raised £106.25 for the BHWT by selling clothes on Vinted. “Raising money really can be as easy as selling unwanted items on Vinted, or eBay,” Kelly explains. “Especially those unwanted Christmas gifts!!!” Never one to rest on her laurels, she’s currently setting up a Christmas tombola, with prizes sourced from charity shops and kind contributions from friends and family. “Alternatively, you can have a stand at a local garden centre, pet shop or village fair just making people aware of the charity and collecting donations.” Thank you for all you do Kelly, and Merry Christmas!
Gaynor and Andrea are egg-ceptional
Our very own Head of Operations and Welfare Gaynor Davies, alongside sister Andy, had a cracking 2025 year selling eggs through our BHWT Egg Club. “Our hard-working girls have laid just over 15,000 eggs,” beams Andy. “After adding up honesty box sales – with duck eggs, my jam and chutney, minus feed and bedding – we are delighted to give the charity £350!” Best of all, amid a cost-of-living crisis, they decided not to raise the price of eggs this year. “Thank you, everyone, for your support,” says Andy. “We wish you all a happy festive break and hopefully a happy new year.”
Scarlett earns brownie points
Scarlett aged 10, from Oakdale Brownies in Poole, chose the BHWT for her charity work towards a badge and raised money in a rather toothsome manner – baking apple crumbles. Scarlett made them with her unit and sold them to family and friends, and the Brownies very kindly returned the fee for her Christmas crafts day, so it could be added to her total donation of £20. A passionate vegetarian who only eats ethical eggs, Scarlett is “militant about free range” and loves reminding people hens are “much more than a source of food… each one is a little soul.” Her festive top tip? “Always check the label.” What an angel.
Sally is picture perfect
Gloucestershire supporter Sally May recently donated to support the BHWT, reminding us that back in summer she helped a local rehoming campaign get vital media attention by sharing a cherished black-and-white photo of her as a young girl cuddling her very first bantam hen in 1951. “They were so patient they even let us push them around in our dolls’ prams,” Sally remembers. Now 81, Sally still believes “hens make the best pets – and therapists,” and remains a passionate advocate for hen welfare. Her heartfelt donation is a festive reminder that the bond between humans and hens runs deep – and often starts in childhood.
Sarah’s flock-star wedding
Five years ago Sarah Muncaster and her partner Lee decided to get a pet. “We both work long hours for the NHS and it didn’t feel right to get a dog.” So they chose hens – which, it turns out, was a smart call. “They’re literally our children,” gushes Sarah. “I could talk about them all day.” When Sarah and Lee tied the knot earlier this year, they kindly took the opportunity to fundraise for the BHWT, collecting £250. “Some friends hinted ‘wouldn’t you rather spend the money on honeymoon’? I said no way! I couldn’t be away from my hens!” In an inspired flourish – and fun nod to the hens’ dinosaurian forebears – the happy couple walked down the aisle to the Jurassic Park theme tune.
Fancy helping out with some fundraising?! Find out how here!
