Celebrating Hayley Egan and the Inspiring Journey Behind the Charity

We are incredibly proud to announce that Saving Strays Animal Rescue has been selected as a FINALIST in the 2026 Women in Business Awards.

This official confirmation means our acceptance as a finalist is complete, and we will now progress to the judges’ panel.

This achievement shines a spotlight not only on our charity, but on the extraordinary woman behind it: founder Hayley Egan.

About Hayley: The Woman Who Built Saving Strays Animal Rescue

Saving Strays exists today because of the vision, compassion, and determination of Hayley Egan, who has dedicated her life to rescuing and rehabilitating animals’ others had given up on.

Hayley’s journey truly began in 2019 when she and her partner rescued Milo, a Greek hare hound facing death in a kill shelter. Witnessing Milo’s transformation from terrified and malnourished to safe and confident changed everything. Shortly afterwards, she adopted Lola, a puppy found in a bin on the island of Zakynthos with life-threatening injuries.

These early rescues opened Hayley’s eyes to the scale of animal suffering — and ignited the fire that would eventually become Saving Strays.

From Solo Rescuer to Registered UK Charity

What started as one woman stepping in whenever an animal needed help soon grew into something far bigger.

Hayley began fostering animals in her own home, often paying for emergency veterinary bills herself when no funding was available. She took on complex cases without hesitation, including eight severely neglected cats needing urgent help. One of those cats, Henry, had lifelong medical issues — and Hayley adopted him, knowing he would struggle to find a home.

These experiences became the foundation of Saving Strays Animal Rescue, founded in 2016 and officially registered in 2022.

A Lifeline Built Through Sheer Dedication

Today, Hayley leads a team of around 40 volunteers, all trained, coordinated, and supported by her.

She oversees:

• Home checks
• Foster placements
• Adopter support
• Emergency veterinary care
• Transport and logistics
• Administration and paperwork
• Daily welfare and rehabilitation

Every system and process in the charity exists because Hayley built it — piece by piece — to ensure every animal receives the care, attention, and safety they deserve.

Trusted Partnerships Across Animal Welfare

Under Hayley’s leadership, Saving Strays has formed strong partnerships with respected organisations, including:

• Bolton Destitute Animal Shelter
• Dogs Trust
• The Endeavour Project
• Healing Paws
• RJM Horse Rescue
• Starlight Barking Rescue

These partnerships strengthen our ability to respond quickly, provide high welfare standards, and support fellow rescuers across the UK.

Frank’s Story — One of Hayley’s Most Heartbreaking Feline Cases

Despite the rescue’s growth, Hayley still personally fosters some of the most difficult and traumatised animals — including Frank, a cat whose story represents the very core of Saving Strays.

Frank was rescued from a property associated with drug misuse, where he had spent years confined to a crate. Prolonged exposure to drug fumes severely affected his neurological condition. He arrived with:

• Bare patches where his fur had fallen out
• Almost no muscle tone
• Burns and painful skin injuries from long-term exposure to urine
• Fear, confusion, and shutdown behaviour

Under Hayley’s ongoing care, Frank is now receiving veterinary treatment, nutritious food, enrichment, and a stable, loving environment. Slowly but surely, he is rebuilding his strength — and his trust in humanity.

His progress is a powerful reminder of what patience, compassion, and specialist rehabilitation can achieve.

Why Becoming a FINALIST Matters

Being named a Women in Business Awards 2026 FINALIST is more than a recognition — it is validation of:

• Hayley’s leadership
• Her resilience and personal sacrifices
• The professionalism and credibility of Saving Strays
• The thousands of animals rescued, rehabilitated, and rehomed
• The impact one determined woman can have on animal welfare

This finalist announcement celebrates the strength, heart, and grit behind our charity.

A Charity Built on Heart and Purpose

Saving Strays Animal Rescue is not simply an organisation — it is the result of Hayley’s unwavering belief that every animal deserves a second chance.

From neglected cats and abandoned dogs to abused animals and emergency intake cases, Hayley has created a lifeline where hope is restored and lives are transformed.

We are honoured to celebrate this milestone with our volunteers, adopters, partners, and supporters. Well done Hayley!