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
