Dame Jenni Murray our late Patron, inspiration and dear friend.
We were deeply saddened to hear the news of Dame Jenni Murray’s death in March 2026. We will miss her deeply. Our thoughts are with her two sons, their families and Jenni’s much-loved dogs and cat.
We were over the moon when Jenni joined us as our first ever patron in 2022. Speaking about her role as Patron, Dame Jenni said:
“Women, children and their pets suffer from domestic violence. If I had ever needed to escape, how could I have left my dogs and cat behind to face cruelty? Refuge4Pets can help keep them safe. I am proud to become the charity’s Patron.”
Likewise, we were proud to have Jenni as our Patron. Dame Jenni Murray was best known as a presenter of Women’s Hour on Radio 4. She was a tireless campaigner for women’s rights, equity and fairness.
Dina Holder, Refuge4Pets Chair Trustee said: “Jenni always used her voice to support violence against women and girls including the abuse of pets. A true star and such a huge loss.”
Our CEO, Mary Wakeham, first met Jenni at the People’s Pet Awards in 2022 when Jenni awarded Refuge4Pets a ‘Special Recognition Award’. Mary said: “Having grown up hearing Jenni’s voice and then being an avid Women’s Hour listener, meeting Jenni and spending time in her company was a real privilege and a lot of fun!”
Dame Jenni Murray will be forever a huge part of our cause, and she will remain in our hearts and minds.