Charity worker who cared for sick creatures loses cancer battle aged 59

This is the stirring tribute for a charity worker who dedicated her life to their welfare.

Ann Hillman, 59, died of pancreatic and ovarian cancer after 30 years of caring for the sick and homeless at St Francis Animal Welfare, Fair Oak.

Peter Brown, charity vice-chairman, said: “Here was a woman who spent her life looking after animals and championing their welfare.

“She lived on the site, taking in animals from all over the place at any time of day or night. She made a massive difference, it is hard to do her justice.”

Chandler’s Ford vet Lorraine Webb echoed these sentiments. She added: “She was wonderfully warm, cheerful and dedicated.

“We have the greatest respect and admiration for her and her hard work, dedication and time she devoted to the animals in her care.

“As one of my colleagues aptly put it, she was the voice of the animals that they did not have for themselves.

“It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to a person whose total dedication to animal welfare was an inspiration to all of us.”

The mum-of-two’s daughter, Jo Hillman, 23, has followed in her footsteps and still works at the centre. She was a volunteer for 25 years before becoming the live-on-site manager.

Jo said: “She was a one-off, a best friend, the best mum in the world, a rock, a Good Samaritan, amazing woman, selfless and one of life’s givers.”

Ann hit the headlines when she was suspended on full pay for three months over complaints about the way the shelter was run.

She was later reinstated after new procedures were brought in.

She was most well known for her campaign to save Muffin the donkey, supported by the Daily Echo.

She died on May 5 and her funeral will be held on Monday at 11am at South Downs Burial Site, East Meon.

The family has asked people to wear bright colours as a tribute to Ann.

Donations in lieu of flowers can go to St Francis Animal Welfare via Nigel Guilder Funeral Director in Chandler’s Ford.

The charity has decided to postpone this weekend’s Family Open Day until later in the summer.