It’s important to me to feel I ‘give something back’ in some way.

This page is dedicated to my passion for the welfare of the laying hen and my continued support for the education of the public about eating disorders.

The Battery Hen Welfare Trust

I work, in a voluntary role, as Consumer Research Coordinator for the Battery Hen Welfare Trust. This is the only UK charity that works solely to promote the welfare of the humble egg laying hen. BHWT works with the British egg industry and uses the adoption of spent hens, with the farmers consent and often assistance, to raise awareness and educate the consumer to ‘buy British and buy Free Range’.

Patrons include Jamie Oliver, Antony Worral Thompson and Jimmy Doherty.

“The BBC’s ‘Inside Out’ programme featured Jane Howorth and her Charity ‘The Battery Hen Welfare Trust’, based in Devon with co-coordinators around the country. I got the message loud and clear: "there are hidden eggs in many everyday foods such as mayonnaise, pasta, ice cream and cakes and if it doesn’t say free range eggs on the label, it is most probably from a battery source. My shopping basket could make a difference. If I bought free range eggs and products, then the British Farmer will supply them.”

I wrote this piece for Organic Life Magazine in 2006. BHWT and Jane Howorth, the founder, genuinely changed our shopping habits and our lives. My work for the charity is a passion shared by the most enthusiastic and hard working group of people I have ever met. It’s a pleasure to be part of such an amazing team!

Emma’s Trust for Eating Disorders

Emma’s trust was set up in July 2001, in loving memory of Emma Varney, a young woman from Northamptonshire who tragically collapsed and died from Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa in the same year.

Emma’s family and friends formed the Trust with donations, made after the funeral. Emma was a special young woman who despite her illness had a bright and lively personality. She willingly helped others, especially those like herself suffering with the same terrible illness.

The objectives of the trust are:

1. To relieve those suffering from anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and other eating disorders.
2. To promote the preservation and protection of the physical and mental health of the families and others closely involved with sufferers from such eating disorders.
3. To educate the public in all matters concerning the cause and alleviation and treatment of eating disorders.
4. To promote research into the causes and treatment of eating disorders and the publication of the results thereof.

I contacted ET in 2003 and offered to write for their magazine ‘Empathy’, Since then ET has funded 5 of my clients and I also receive funding to go into schools to speak about my work and experience of ED’s and to set up a School’s Charter. This charter will allow students to approach a member of staff, confidentially, to look for support. Posters and leaflets in school will provide information on the national support available. Local information will be kept in school.

This family, their friends and supporters are dedicated to making their loss not be in vain.

For further details about the Charter and the Emma’s Trust contact me.

Dotty living a happy retirement