The United Kingdom Ragdoll Cat Community was founded in February 2004 by Darren Farrow and Helen Alden-Farrow. In November 2005 the UKRCC became a Charitable Trust, registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales and is the only UK based charity dedicated to the Ragdoll cat breed.

The objects of the UKRCC, as per our Declaration of Trust, are:

"To promote humane behaviour towards animals, in particular ragdoll cats, by providing appropriate care, protection, treatment and security for animals which are in need of care and attention by reason of sickness, maltreatment, poor circumstances or ill usage and to educate the public in matters pertaining to the welfare of Ragdoll cats in general and the prevention of cruelty and suffering among such animals."

This we work to achieve in the following ways:

1.Through the provision of the UK Ragdoll Cat Rehoming and Welfare scheme, which secures safe, loving homes for needy Ragdolls and other pedigree cats, funds veterinary care when necessary and provides foster care to homeless Ragdolls or any cat which needs it.

2.Through the provision of the UKRCC website and forum, which aims to educate, to promote responsible Ragdoll cat ownership and to provide information and support for Ragdoll owners and those interested in the breed.

3.By providing support and advice to Ragdoll cat owners and potential owners via our website, an emergency phone line and via email.

4.By working with and supporting other cat rescue groups in the care and rehoming of Ragdoll cats.

Other working names, registered with the Charity Commission:
UK Ragdoll rehoming and welfare
The Ragdoll Cat Trust

The UKRCC is run solely by a team of dedicated volunteers and is funded purely by donations. All monies raised are used to benefit needy Ragdolls, paying for veterinary care, rescue and fostering costs. We do not use our funds to attend any cats shows or to organise social gatherings.

Our Patron

Tony Shepherd

Tony is a DJ at London's Number One Hit Music Station - 95.8 Capital FM and is a regular TV Presenter for Sky Movies and other Entertainment shows. For more info please visit Capital Fm

"I was honoured to be asked to become Patron of the UKRCC, after finding out about the dedicated work of all of those involved with the charity. Whether it be one of the many foster carers, fundraisers or those that work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the charity running - they all do an amazing job, often under very tight resources.

As many of us know Ragdolls are loving, loyal and full of character but sometimes, due to many different reasons, they end up having to be re-homed and this is where the charity does a vital job.

Along with many of you, I share my home with an adorable Raggy, called Mr Jengles. However if you're thinking of taking on one of these wonderful animals, please do check out the invaluable info on this site, as it dispels a lot of myths about the breed.

Best wishes,

Tony."

Our Trustees

Currently we have five trustees and each is dedicated to the welfare of the Ragdoll cat breed. They are all volunteers and are responsible for controlling the management and administration of the charity, within the Charity Commision guidelines. In addition all trustees are heavily involved in all aspects of Ragdoll rehoming and welfare, carrying out home assessments, helping to transport Raggies across the UK and fostering needy Ragdolls, whenever necessary.

Darren Farrow BSc (Hons)

Appointed: July 2005

Current Term: 2007-2010

Darren is the IT network manager at a secondary school and has considerable IT and computer experience. He designed and maintains the UKRCC website. In the past Darren ran his own electrical engineering business and hence has a wide knowledge of accountancy and record keeping, which helps him in his administrative role. Darren has been involved with the Ragdoll breed for over 11 years and currently lives with ten Ragdolls, all the more surprising when you know he is allergic to cats!

Dawn Chesters

Appointed: July 2005

Current Term: 2007-2010

Dawn has worked as a Primary school teacher for 17 years and is now a head teacher. She has considerable experience in fund raising and organising events. Dawn has an interest in various crafts and uses these skills to benefit the UKRCC, producing handmade cards, jewellery, original drawings of Ragdolls etc. for sale and auction at fund raising days and via our online shop. Dawn has been in a cat family for many years and is currently owned by five Raggies and two moggies.

Jean Alden

Appointed: July 2005

Current Term: 2007-2010

Jean is a retired PA to a primary school head teacher and for 25 years co-ran a Brownie Guide pack. As such she has considerable administrative skills and fund raising experience. Jean has worked as a cat welfare volunteer for over 40 years and has been involved in several rescues and the rehabilitation and rehoming of many feral and stray cats, so brings valuable skills and experience to the UKRCC. Jean is owned by two Ragdolls, one of which she adopted, when he was aged six.

Dave Tinson

Appointed : Februay 2006

CurrentTerm: 2009-2011

Dave Tinson had a 12 year career in the Merchant Navy before joining the Metropolitan Police Force, in which he served for 30 years both as beat officer and traffic officer and then later as an officer in the juvenile courts. On his retirement from the Met, Dave worked as a court clerk for various firms of solicitors, until he finally retired in 2000. Through his work, Dave has a vast knowledge of the law. Dave is owned by Simone, a tortoiseshell DSH cat, who he rescued via the RSPCA.

Mike Chesters

Appointed: February 2006

Current Term: 2009-2011

Mike has been a teacher for 14 years. He has a particular interest in photography and video production. Mike put his media skills to great use when he produced the UKRCC Ragdoll dvd, which proved very popular and helped raise considerable funds for our welfare account. Mike has been a cat owner for the past 11 years. He also enjoys sports, including cricket and walking.