Dear Friends and Supporters,

It is with great sadness that we write to let you know that Andrew Bowden, our deeply committed and compassionate founder, has passed away.

Andrew was, in every sense, a force of nature. A man of deep conviction, compassion and the tenacity of a thousand men. He always stood up for what he believed in and never stepped back from a challenge he felt truly mattered. That determination enabled him to achieve so much in his life, including building a successful business, but it was his passion for animals and the environment that led him to create our wonderful charity, The Hugs Foundation.

Through Andrew’s vision and commitment, Hugs has achieved an extraordinary amount in the 9 years we have been running. More than 235 equines have been rescued and over 210 rehomed, alongside countless farm and small animals, and over 1,100 children, young people and their families have been supported. His leadership and generosity have left a lasting mark on Hugs and on the wider community we serve and his incredible legacy and vision will continue to shape our work for many years to come.

In accordance with Andrew’s wishes, there will be no funeral or celebration of his life. However, Andrew’s wife, Katie, and the Hugs team will be creating a dedicated orchard that will be enjoyed for years to come by all who visit Hugs. We hope this will provide a quiet place for reflection and remembrance.

Can you help us continue Andrew’s legacy? A regular monthly gift means we can plan ahead with confidence and focus on supporting those who need us most for as long as they need us. If all our supporters gave £2 a month, it would add up to over £26,000 per month, enabling us to keep Hugs doors open. These simple, recurring acts of kindness become a steady source of hope and help us change lives. Thank you for your kindness and generosity. For those who would like to remember Andrew through leaving a gift in his memory, you can become a Hugs Hero by clicking here https://thehugsfoundation.beaconforms.com/form/656e5db6

As we mourn Andrew’s passing, we also give thanks for a life lived with purpose, courage and deep compassion. Andrew believed fiercely in protecting the vulnerable, in standing up for what matters and in creating something that would last for years to come. Kindness, dignity and respect are always at the centre of everything at Hugs. The lives changed, the animals saved and the values he embedded in Hugs are his true memorial.

Andrew’s legacy lives on, in every animal cared for, every child supported and in the determination to keep his vision alive. We will honour him not just in words, but in continuing the work he began with such passion and conviction, carrying out his vision every single day.

Andrew has played a vital role in supporting your community. Can you help by supporting us, so his incredible legacy can live on?

In Andrew’s words, “Take Care”

The Hugs Team

We have recently recruited two new Trustee’s to our Board, which is really exciting for the charity. Annette Caston will be our Adult Safeguarding Trustee and will also be helping with the operational side of the charity including policies and procedures. Shelley Tilley will be our Youth Safeguarding and Animal Welfare Trustee. We’ve already introduced Shelley, so below is a message from Annette to introduce herself to our supporters.

“I retired from my role as a Social Worker in Adult Social Care (Cornwall Council) in October 2025. I have worked for the Local Authority for over thirty years in a wide variety of roles. For the last five years I had worked in the Adult Safeguarding Team and had built up links across Cornwall with a wide range of social care providers. I remain on the Social Worker register as I am keen to keep up to date with current and new practice trends. I have been a volunteer with the cats at the local RSPCA centre since 2013 (I have one cat of my own) and to date have managed not to bring any home with me! I enjoy swimming, indoors during the Winter and sea swimming in the Summer and I am a member of the local Community choir.

I have supported Hugs for several years now, having first heard about the charity from listening to Radio Cornwall whilst driving. I am very much looking forward to working with all at Hugs, using my knowledge and experience to contribute towards the work of the charity and to learn along the way.”

It’s a pleasure to introduce myself, my name is Shelley, and I am thrilled to be appointed as a Trustee at Hugs. Horses have been a huge part of my life since a child and I am still just as passionate. We have a herd of horses, including a miniature mule, who all have a story to tell, and a pack of collies and two pigmy goats. Our family enjoy the outdoor life, being active, generally enhancing well-being and spending time with our animals.

I have experience in a variety of areas in the equine industry, including helping many horses over the years who have experienced trauma or simply just misunderstood. I provide rehabilitation care for horses at my yard to help promote their physical and mental wellbeing. I am an Equine Well-Being Coach, and my mission is to support/educate others to give horses a rich and fulfilling life. I have a BSc Honours Degree in Equine Management and have continued my studies at Hartpury University with a MSc in Equitation Science, focusing on ethical practices driven by scientific research to lead informed welfare in equestrianism. Horse-human interactions are fundamental for enhancing equine welfare.

I have many year’s experience working in Social Care and Education with children and young people in leadership capacity, including the knowledge and expertise as a Safeguarding Lead. Vast experience working and supporting in the community, supporting in crisis circumstances and developing projects and driving dynamic change. I aim to share my wealth of knowledge, to supportively contribute to the inspiring work that Hugs achieve in the equine community and providing a safe place for well-being support.