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Rosie’s Trust recognises 10-year volunteers at Parliament Buildings celebration

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Rosie’s Trust

6th Nov 2025

Northern Ireland’s only charity that cares for people by caring for their pets recently hosted a special event at Stormont to honour the dedication of its longest-serving volunteers.

Founded in 2015, Rosie’s Trust has been caring for people by caring for their pets for the past decade, thanks to the hard work and dedication of its 200+ volunteers across Northern Ireland.

Through the charity’s support services for cancer patients, older people aged 65+ with mobility issues, and those receiving end of life care, Rosie’s Trust volunteers are able to reach some of the most isolated and vulnerable members of the community who depend on their pets for companionship and emotional support.

To recognise a milestone year, Rosie’s Trust recently marked its tenth anniversary with a special event in the Long Gallery at Parliament Buildings.

Together with volunteers, staff, beneficiaries and partners, the occasion was attended by deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly, Junior Minister, Aisling Reilly MLA, and event sponsor, David Honeyford MLA.

The charity’s newest celebrity ambassador, James Nesbitt OBE, joined the group to present the longest-serving volunteers with a special trophy in recognition of 10 years of service.

Chair of Rosie’s Trust, Aileen Martin, said:

“Over the past ten years, our volunteers have provided thousands of hours of practical and emotional support for people and their pets, and ensured that our beneficiaries don’t have to face the heartbreak of giving up their pet because they are facing illness or older age.

“The majority of our beneficiaries live alone and their pets are their sole source of companionship and support.

“We wanted to celebrate and acknowledge our volunteers’ dedication, including those who have been with the charity since it was founded by nurse Bronagh O’Neill. Their kindess and commitment has changed the lives of so many and has kept people and their pets together when they have needed each other the most.

“Thank you to everyone who joined us to mark this significant milestone for our charity with a special mention to our event sponsor, David Honeyford MLA.”

David Honeyford MLA, event sponsor, added:

“Congratulations to Rosie’s Trust on its tenth anniversary, and to all of the charity’s volunteers who are helping people facing difficult times to keep their pets by their side. It is a unique service which is supporting the health and well-being of people in Northern Ireland 365 days of the year.”

Speaking at the event, celebrity ambassador for Rosie’s Trust, James Nesbitt, said:

“It is a privilege to be involved with a local charity that is supporting some of the most vulnerable people in Northern Ireland.

“I have enjoyed meeting the volunteers from over the past decade who have made Rosie’s Trust the special organisation that it is, and I look forward to playing my part in spreading awareness of the charity and its support services.”

For more information on Rosie’s Trust, and how you can support the charity to keep caring for people by caring for their pets through volunteering or donating, visit rosiestrust.org

Image Caption: Junior Minister, Aisling Reilly MLA, joins Rosie’s Trust celebrity ambassador, James Nesbitt, and Chair, Aileen Martin, together with deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly, at Parliament Buildings for a special celebration to mark the charity’s tenth anniversary.